JAMES. What?

MARY. I know you love him but sometimes I do not like the way he talks to you.

JAMES. Listen, Mary, you need to understand the way it is with me and William. We might look like we’re away to kill each other sometimes but that’s how we are. Never interfere.

MARY. Of course not. But sometimes he scares me a little.

JAMES. Well… I won’t let him do that again.

He kisses her. He moves away.

MARY. Will you sleep now?

JAMES. Soon.

MARY. Where do you go? When you walk in the night?

JAMES. I’ll be back soon.

He exits.

Isabella’s Room, Night

JAMES enters. ISABELLA startles awake.

ISABELLA. I wasn’t asleep!

(Looking out the window.) Oh, my brave boys, where are you?

JAMES. My father died a hero.

ISABELLA. Your father died in a drain.

JAMES. You wanted to kill my father and all his blood.

ISABELLA. If my wishing could do it you’d be dead.

JAMES. Who else wants us dead?

ISABELLA. Walter… Alisdair… Oh, my bairns… there you are… there you are… oh look at their white wings and their dark eyes… My boys. I see you. I do.

JAMES. I’ve had Livingston executed.

ISABELLA. Jumped-up wee nyaff. You’re well rid.

JAMES. What happens now? Will someone try to take his place? Who should I fear most?

ISABELLA. How should I know?

Why do you always come back to bother me?

JAMES. Because you’re the oldest thing I know that talks.

Tell me what you know. Livingston said they’d come for me. Tell me which family I should fear most now.

ISABELLA. I won’t tell you. I’ll watch death eat you and laugh. How would I know? I’ve seen nothing but this room and my son’s souls on the wind for longer than you’ve lived.

How would I know what’s going to happen now?

I can make a guess though.

JAMES. Tell me and I’ll set you free.

ISABELLA. If you set me free I’ll kill you. I’ll be your death if you ever set me free.

JAMES moves to exit.

JAMES. I’ll get them to sweeten the air in here for you. They can bring you roast chicken.

ISABELLA. I’ll eat it but I’ll never thank you. Look around you. Who makes the little lords bob and rustle like sparrows when the hawk’s shadow passes over. Who has the smell of blood on his breath when he smiles in your face?

JAMES. Who?

ISABELLA. How should I know? I’ve seen nothing but this room and my sons’ souls on the wind for longer than you’ve lived.

I can make a guess though. You’ll see it soon… if you’re looking.

JAMES moves to exit again.

JAMES. Your door’s open. You can come out any time you like.