She had forgotten that she was in Methven Castle, imagining herself to be in Holyrood with James standing before her while she accused him of deserting her for his mistresses. Then it was Angus who stood there… or was it Albany… or Harry? She was not sure. They were as one now. The men whom she had loved; the men who had deceived her.

She murmured so quietly that none heard: “If I had not been the daughter of a King should I have been loved for myself?”

She tried to rouse herself because there was so much she had to say.

“My daughter… the Lady Margaret Douglas… James must be good to her. Angus… Let James forgive Angus… Let him remember that he had suffered much… Peace… I want peace among them. Peace.”

Those about her bed exchanged glances. She had been well a short while ago. Could one be struck so suddenly?

It seemed so, for it was deemed advisable that the last rites should be administered. This was done, and when James arrived — although he had come to her bedside with the utmost haste — he was too late. Margaret, the Queen, was dead.

Bibliography

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