Matt Ford

My husband's last bout of syphilis nearly killed him.

Perhaps the next will be more... decisive.

He's a slag.

So maybe next time he gets the clap, it'll kill him.

Capisce?

Bothwell studies Mary as she returns to James.

A new possibility sparking to life.

Perhaps there is a way to free Mary, safeguard her son and clear the path for Bothwell to get everything he wants after all.

Two months later, Kirker Field, Edinburgh.

Darnley slams his goblet down on the table and pulls Mary onto his lap.

My beautiful wife!

He squeezes her possessively, ignores her flinching with revulsion at the dried syphilitic pustules that mark his face.

Mary sent him to this house near Holyrood a month ago to convalesce.

Now he's nearly recovered, he wants it made clear that she still fulfils her marital duties.

He grimaces at the sight of Bothwell striding into the room.

Your Majesty, you're needed back at Holyrood.

Darnley hesitates, then loosens his grip on his wife.

His cheeks flush as he watches Bothwell steer Mary out.

He turns to the guests, no longer in the mood to socialise.

Everyone, out!