During the coming months, it became apparent that an heir for Scotland would be born soon. By the time of the Queen’s birthday, in December, she was very obviously pregnant. She did not seem to suffer as I had seen others do, and she was mostly untroubled by her usual melancholy and aches.

In January she sought me out, looking concerned.

“Seton, I want your advice on a matter. I am sorry that all those months ago, I did not listen to you, when you advised me against marrying Darnley. All is not well with our union. Darnley is jealous, extremely so. He hates my secretary, Master Rizzio, and accuses me constantly of adultery with him.”

I looked at her, not knowing what I could possibly say that could help the situation.

“Have you tried reasoning with him?&rdquo...

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