BALVENIE. That wasn’t said, that is never said.

William, the day you were born, my legacy began to form, I just want to see that when I look at you.

WILLIAM. No football today.

BALVENIE. There you go!

Come on then, come and sit by me in the church.

The Chapel Stirling Castle, an hour later

The music continues as MARY and JAMES sit side by side in the church. They look solemn and pious as paintings.

ANNABELLA sits close enough to half-hear what they are saying.

Then MARY coughs, racking and wet. She spits delicately in a lace hanky and looks at it. She pulls a face. She looks front again, formal.

JAMES doesn’t react to any of this.

MARY. That is the cough that is killing people.

I think this cough may kill me.

JAMES is keeping his formal pose. He shushes her. She lowers her voice.

I have spoken to the Bishop. I asked him to make me ready, he said, ‘Are you frightened of death?’ I said ‘Non!’

She thinks it’s a mad question.

Do you believe he asked me that? I cannot believe he asked me that. Why should I be frightened? I am good enough for heaven. This is sure.

JAMES. What are you talking about?

MARY. I am telling you I am not afraid to die. And I am telling you I have reason to be afraid. Many reasons. But I am not. Afraid. Ever.

One day I will run through the fields of heaven. We both will.

I hope we get there when we are still young. I think we will.

Most people do, after all. But not yet. I must not die yet. We have important things first. I know my part but do you?

JAMES. Why are you talking about dying?

MARY. Because it is the moment. I do not think this will kill me. The people who die of this die before the sun sets, so quick.

So, I think I am carrying the sickness but I do not think I will die of that.

JAMES. Stop talking about dying!

MARY. If I do die I will wait for you at the gate of heaven. But of course you will miss me. Your heart will break. Ça c’est sur. So you should think of that. Of what it means to be my King.

JAMES. Shhhh!

The Bishop’s frowning at us.

ANNABELLA is now listening intently.

MARY. I did not talk while he prayed. Et en plus… I am his Queen you are his King.

JAMES. He’s one of my advisers. I don’t want to…

MARY (interrupting). What? Why are you so afraid of all these old men who order you about?

JAMES. I’m not afraid of them, I just…

MARY. This is your kingdom! You do not need advisers to be King. You are King.

JAMES. Aye but…

I’m young yet. I don’t need to be bothered with all that… MARY (mutters). Mon Dieu.

JAMES. What? No, what?

She shrugs.