Matt Ford

She places his hand on her abdomen.

This child, our child, is the future of Scotland.

The heir to England's throne.

He empowers us both.

She pulls him to her and she feels Darnley soften and start to sob.

It's too late.

Mary grabs his shoulders, tilts his chin up.

No, not if you help me escape, and I swear to you, when I am free, I will pardon you for your part in this.

I was wrong to do what I did.

I was angry, but I... Mary hesitates, has to force out the words.

Still love you.

She winces as Darnley grabs her again, holds her tighter than before.

Mary allows a fraction of relief as she feels Darnley pull her towards the door.

She watches as he glances down the corridor, but has her eyes travel back to her secretary's blood-soaked corpse.

She's reminded of how dangerous her husband has become.

Mary promises herself that if she escapes untouched...

Darnley and the rebel lords will never endanger her and her precious heir ever again.

And right now, there is only one man in her council she can still trust to help her.

11 months later, December 1566, Stirling Castle, Scotland.

James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, strides through the corridor.