Opening in the Danish dungeon where James raves at the end of his days, the book tells the story of his life from childhood to the betrayal by a spurned lover that leads to his imprisonment. Born in a climate of religious schism the young James Hepburn, Lord of Bothwell, soon finds himself divided between his loyalties and his conscience. Maturing rapidly into a brilliant young man, he is called home from Paris to take his place as Lord Bothwell. Life had taught him to be a fierce warrior and a passionate lover, and James's fate is set in motion when he meets his Queen. A love springs up between them that will overcome religious divides, spill blood, and haunt Bothwell until his dying day. BACK COVER The passionate and tragic story of Lord Bothwell, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, set against a background of religious turmoil, political strife and dramatic warfare. Told from his final days in a Danish dungeon, James Bothwell's tragic story, centring on his intense relationship with Mary Queen of Scots, unfolds. Set against the backdrop of French and Scottish history, in a climate of revenge, ruthless killings and religious strife, James finds himself divided between his loyalties and his conscience. The life of this fierce warrior and passionate lover is followed from his troubled childhood to the events of his final betrayal. Yet it is his meeting with the beautiful Mary Stuart that would ultimately secure his fate. Whilst Scotland, England and France grapple for power, tragic consequences await the lovers, with repercussions that would alter their country forever.