I was twelve years old when I came here. I didn’t understand a word anyone said to me. I was frightened, I was lonely, I had no friends on this side of the North Sea. But you talked slowly till I understood. You showed me that the more frightened you are the better the joke you can tell about it, you taught me you can find friends anywhere you share food and drink if you just wait and see how to join in the conversation. By the time I was thirteen this was my home. You let me be.

You let me grow.

You taught who I am.

I am the Queen of Scots.

Shall I show you how well I learned that lesson? This is yours.

MARGARET takes her box of jewels and spills them all over the floor.

I am your Queen and these are yours.

The comfort of community is warmer and softer than cold gold could ever be. I’m sorry that it’s taken me nearly fifteen years to understand that, to understand how to be your Queen. I’m sorry I never told you any of this. I should have known that the only way to let you understand how much I care, was to tell you exactly what I think of you.

I’ve seen the worst of you, and you’re murderous, miserable, men. You’ve seen the worst of me, I’ve been a proud, overdressed, self-centred woman. But the best in you pulls me above that, and the best in you, with my help, can sustain this parliament and this nation.

I give you my jewels. I give you my self. I give you all I know. I wasn’t even born here but I’m offering Scotland my life. I’m your Queen, I’m still here look at me.

Am I not the Queen of Scots?

A few calls of assent.

Will you help me unite this country in peace?

The assent grows.

Will you help me make Scotland’s law? Will you let me do all I can in her name?

Gentlemen, will you help me rule?

There are a chorus of ‘Ayes’ around the room.

Then tomorrow we can begin. Together you and I will govern Scotland!

There’s a cheer and general applause. JOHN moves to MARGARET.

Are you going to oppose me?

JOHN. No.

You were magnificent.

MARGARET. Thank you. I’ve never been so scared in my life.

The Queen’s Room and King’s Room

ANNABELLA and PHEMY are in the Queen’s room, ANNABELLA has a drink.

JAMES is in the King’s room, looking over the plans for his cathedral.

Years have passed, ANNABELLA is watching as MARGARET conducts the business of the Three Estates, but this is a memory.

ANNABELLA. That was a good day. A good, good day. Why can’t it stop there?