Matt Ford

Rumours of Bothwell's involvement in Darnley's murder have somehow spread across the country and Mary's hasty marriage to him has only helped fan the flames.

Every day, the Protestant rebels grow in number and defiance.

She looks across at Bothwell now, as he strides in, flanked by two soldiers.

I've been informed the rebel lords have taken Edinburgh Castle and are coming here with a thousand-strong army.

Mary feels her chest tighten.

It's not just her subjects who object to her marriage.

Her council has turned on her too.

Now their threats to unseat her have turned to action.

They may send an army to Stirling.

We must go to get James and... No!

Merry blinks at him, stunned by his forceful tone.

What?

The only heirs of consequence now are the ones you bear me.

We stay here while I raise an army twice their size.

We make no concessions.

Mary feels her temper flare.

We?

You may be my husband, but I am still queen, and I order you to... She recoils as Bothwell presses his large frame against her so hard she's forced against the oak-panelled wall.

Her heart hammers against her ribs as his voice drops.

Be careful, Mary.