A Queen Abandoned

Prologue

Dear reader, please heed my warning: the tale told within these pages is not for the faint of heart. This is my story, spanning from my glistening childhood as a beloved darling of the French court to the day that my English captors issued the warrant for my execution. In my forty-four short years I have known great love and great tragedy. When I was just sixteen, I was heralded as the sovereign monarch of Scotland and England, as well as the future Queen of France. Few others in history have been privileged enough to lay claim to three (yes, three) nations. I used to believe that my status was pre-ordained, that it rightfully belonged to me and that only I was capable of bearing the great weight of leadership. But I have since learnt a valuable lesson – nothing in this world comes without a price.

My life has been tumultuous from the outset. Those who should have shielded me from danger have instead used me as a vessel to replenish their own power. I have been the subject of manipulation and lustrous greed. I have weathered more than my fair share of storms; passing too many days in a haze of sorrow. I have endured kidnapping, threats and grieved no less than three husbands.

In writing these pages, it is my imperative that you learn the truth about my rule. You see, I have fallen victim to the forces that conspire against me. It comes down to this: women in my time, even Queens, are subject to the whims and fancies of men. My enemies will no doubt try to poison you against me. They will tell you that I am an evil seductress or murderous whore. I urge you in good conscience to consider the truth: the forces who worked against me have been much greater than the few who worked for me. I have known many enemies: men and women, rich and poor have colluded to ensure my downfall. To recount them all in these pages is impossible.

Please hear me when I say that I have always navigated through life as gracefully and honestly as my circumstances would allow. My most sincere desire has always been to serve the people of Scotland and to protect my birthright from those who designed to take it for folly. As you pore over these pages I pray that you, dear reader, can be assured that my actions and intentions were always pure and made in service of my countrymen.