city, not while my people are on the verge of rebellion. I want to go to a safe place, and I would like to travel west, to my beautiful palace at Linlithgow.”

“We will prepare for your journey,” I told her.

I went to find someone who would help me to make ready for the journey. The palace seemed almost deserted; I had no idea where the other Maries were. I walked through the rooms, looking for someone, anyone who would make me feel that I was not alone.

I found Mary Beaton in one of the rooms. She seemed to be deep in thought, but as I drew closer to where she was sitting, I could see that she had been crying.

“Beaton,” I approached her, and gently put my hand on her shoulder. “What's wrong?”

“I should be so happy no...

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