My Lady Jane

In Paris, Edward asks Gracie to speak to Mary, Queen of Scots, to try to win her over. They were betrothed as children, but her regents then accepted a proposal to marry her to the French king’s son instead. This angered Henry VIII, who tried to hunt her down, persecuting Scottish Ethians in his quest.

Edward asks for the French King Henry’s help using a tactic devised by Bess: He argues that women must not be allowed to steal power. Henry agrees and advises him to get an heir, suggesting his own daughter as a possible bride.

Henry holds a ball. Edward feels trapped by the idea of kingship. The young Mary, Queen of Scots, seeks him out. She says that she has spoken with Gracie. She hates being trapped in a betrothal to the childish French prince and feels unsafe as a secret Ethian in a court of Verities. She says she has a secret Ethian army in Scotland. She will offer their help if he helps her escape the French court.

Later Edward teaches Gracie to dance. He asks to kiss her. She wants to, but says she can’t because he is king and has other obligations.