JAMES. Promise?

MEG. I promise, but we’re late, Jamie, come on.

JAMES takes ANNABELLA’s hand and MEG takes the other as they move into –

The Royal Chapel

MEG is talking quietly to ANNABELLA as they approach the altar, where a BISHOP stands waiting with the FRENCH AMBASSADOR. LORDS and LADIES of the court watch.

MEG. Right, Annabella… see that lovely man there, the French Ambassador, remember him? You like him, he pulled honey biscuits out of your ear, remember? Well, he’s going to pretend to be the Duke of Savoy and all you have to do is take his hand when King James gives you to him. And then you’ll be a married lady like your sisters.

LIVINGSTON is there, glaring at MEG.

LIVINGSTON. He better know what he’s doing or you’ll answer for it.

MEG. He’s fine, they’re fine, we’ve practised…

(Pulling him on.) Come on, James!

JAMES. But it’s just a game, isn’t it? She’s not to go away. I don’t want that.

MEG. Shhh, James! Act like a king for once, will you!

BISHOP. Qui dat nuptum huic mulieri?

As there’s no reaction, he repeats it in English.

Who gives this woman to be married? MEG whispers in JAMES’s ear, prompting him.

JAMES. I do.

MEG whispers again.

I, King James the Second, King of Scots.

He steps forward, offering ANNABELLA’s hand. The FRENCH AMBASSADOR gathers her up and the procession moves away from JAMES and MEG. LIVINGSTON is beside the FRENCH AMBASSADOR.

MEG. You can wait here, King James. You did it. Well done.

JAMES hesitates, then follows as the procession moves into –

Castle Courtyard

The procession is nearly gone. MEG is crying. JAMES is standing bereft, calling after them all.

JAMES. No! I said didn’t want to give her away! She lives with me.

She’s my sister. Annabella! Annabella, don’t leave me!

ANNABELLA looks back then, her face crumpling.

ANNABELLA. Jamie!

The nightmare seems to swallow ANNABELLA up, snatching her away from him.

JAMES. No!

He’s alone with MEG. He turns on her.

You promised me!

MEG. James…

JAMES. You promised!

She runs from him. JAMES gets into the kist. WILLIAM is suddenly there, he throws a football at the kist. JAMES opens the lid and sees him.

Who are you?

WILLIAM. William Douglas. My father’s in your council.

Do you want a game of ball?

JAMES. I can’t. I have to wait here till they call me.

WILLIAM. Later then?

JAMES. No.

WILLIAM. Why not?

JAMES. I don’t know you.

YOUNG DOUGLAS and DAVEY enter.

YOUNG DOUGLAS. Aye you do, that’s my wee cousin.

Do you know who I am, King James, do you remember me?

JAMES. Yes.

YOUNG DOUGLAS. Who am I?

JAMES. You’re the Earl of Douglas.

YOUNG DOUGLAS. Look what we’ve got you. Give him it, Davey.

DAVEY takes out a little wooden horse. JAMES reaches out for it.

DAVEY. Aye, he’s a beauty, eh?

JAMES. As beautiful as your horse.

YOUNG DOUGLAS. He is, nearly.

JAMES. Can I ride your horse?