Matt Ford

He'd been throttled.

Yeah, it's funny how life works out.

It's been 15 years.

She thinks of how his devotion has never wavered.

How he has always made her feel safe.

She looks down into James's delicate face.

She must do everything she can to protect him.

And so, she finds herself whispering.

Yes, I'll do it.

I'll marry you.

Three months later, May 1567.

Borthwick Castle, Scotland.

Mary stares through the window at the crowd gathered beyond the castle gates.

Her stomach drops as she reads their placards bearing the words, Only harlots marry in May and Whore Queen.

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.