JAMES looks at the singers, looks at the roses and the dawn. JAMES is moving and we realise he is directing the singers, conducting them, the song swells, JAMES moves amongst them, lost in the music as it builds and builds…

SANDY enters.

The music builds, it seems to stop.

SANDY. What do you think…?

Another burst from the CHOIR. It stops.

Have you…?

JAMES holds up a hand, stopping him. Another drawn-out note from the CHOIR.

They all wait.

Are you done?

Another note. The song finishes.

JAMES sighs deeply in satisfaction.

Silence.

JAMES (patient). Look at the roses, look at the sky, let the memory of the music settle…

SANDY waits.

SANDY. Are you done now?

JAMES. Do you see those roses?

SANDY. Aye.

JAMES. Sandy, these were planted by our grandfather. James the First of Scotland planted them to delight his Queen. But he’ll never have seen this. He planned it. He’ll have looked at the little twigs he nurtured, he’ll have looked at the few brave buds and imagined what we’re seeing here, but he knew he’d die before those little rose trees ever grew into this garden. He planned it for us. For you and me and all the Scots coming after. Do you know what that is, Sandy?

SANDY. No.

JAMES. That’s the generosity of a king.

Do you see?

SANDY. Have you been here all night?

JAMES. Yes. But do you understand?

SANDY. No one could find you, man, it was bloody chaos.

JAMES. Sandy, do you understand what I’m saying?

SANDY. Aye! Yes, it’s a bonny garden.

A beat.

JAMES. There is no point in explaining.

None.

And I knew that. I knew that.

Why did I even let that idea in my head?

SANDY. Is this why you sent for me?

JAMES. What?

Aye, you can go, forget about it.

SANDY. I thought you were ready to make a deal.

JAMES. A deal?

SANDY. Aye.

JAMES. A deal? With you?

SANDY. Aye.

JAMES. Why would I do that?

SANDY. Well… you’ll have to get yourself some support somewhere, sooner or later.

JAMES. Right.

SANDY. You want the truth, James? I’ve been holding them back.

JAMES. Oh that’s good of you.

SANDY. There’s some of them ready to kill you today.

JAMES. Really? Do I have time to get some breakfast first?

SANDY. But if they see I’m standing by you, if they see we’re in this together…

JAMES. Together?

SANDY. Sharing the throne.

JAMES. Oh, wouldn’t that be cosy? The two brothers cuddled up together on one seat?

No.

Go away, Sandy, I’m done talking to you.

JAMES tries to move off, SANDY stops him.

SANDY. I can’t hold them back much longer.

JAMES. Why are you still talking to me?

SANDY. What do I get out of loyalty to you, James? Why should I hold them back?

JAMES. Because the alternative is treason.