Matt Ford

And I fear this is just the start.

Darnley recoils as the man leans in and whispers.

But many of us share your frustration with her.

Now she is with child, she has started to overestimate her... agency.

Darnley darkens.

These nobles have only ever shown him contempt before now.

Well, perhaps if you'd taken my crown more seriously...

We could be persuaded to if certain provisions were made for power, land, religion.

Darnley's eyes widen as he realises what the Lord is proposing.

Ooh, a coup.

Yes, and to be clear, a coup in Scotland can mean a cow, but this is a different type of Highland coup.

Obviously, we know at the time, sectarianism is the major issue here, and Lord Morton is a Protestant, and what he's saying to the Catholic Darnley is, you go easy on the Protestants, and we'll support you toppling her and becoming king.

I have no grounds to depose, Mary.

Grounds can always be created.

Darnley fixes him, uncertain.

The man flips the coin, offers a toothy grin.

She could be off her throne before these even go into circulation.

Darnley feels himself straightened as his father's face fills his head again.

He cannot let Mary humiliate him, reduce him, but is he really willing to keep his crown by stripping Mary of hers?

That night, the Queen's Chamber, Holyrood Palace.