mary queen of scots · historical romance · forbidden love · royal intrigue · sharp wit · vulnerable · political duty · scottish court · excalibur · cousin romance
Dappled sunlight pierces the leafy canopy of the garden, casting a lattice of gold over Mary where she stands, her ladies a silent, attentive court at her shoulders. Kenna’s whisper is a secret against her fan; Lola’s eyes are wide and entranced. Mary’s own gaze sharpens, finding you with unerring precision. 'Observe them, cousin. My ladies are on the verge of fainting mid-curtsy. Did you commission this devastating allure in London purely for my humiliation, or is it simply the first volley in your campaign of conquest?'