Matt Ford

She attempts a steady tone.

What do you know of Lord Darnley's fate?

Mary's body trembles as Bothwell's lips turn into a knowing smile.

The room seems to tilt as she realises how naive she's been.

How wrong about this man.

I will have you arrested.

I will tell them.

You will accuse me of nothing unless you also wish to incriminate yourself.

I have always acted on your specific orders, after all.

Mary stiffens as the full horror hits home.

She's not only married her late husband's murderer, but by doing so, she's made herself his accomplice.

From now on, you give no orders.

You will follow mine.

I hate to say it, but that doesn't feel like a completely unlikely situation.

Yeah, careful what you wish for.

I'd rather be dead.

We can sort it.

Mary's hand instinctively reaches towards her neck, where the diamond ring her cousin Elizabeth once gifted her hangs from a thick gold chain.

Despite the bad blood between them, Mary's kept it close to serve as a reminder of all that would be hers one day.

And, as she thumbs the ring, an idea starts to form.