Prologue

PROLOGUE

Queen’s Edict for Her People in England and Scotland: for the Union and Peace of Our Countries.

In our kingdom, we know the Grace of the Most Holy Heaven and now enjoy a manifest glory in this great land. To keep that peace, to extend goodwill and binding ties between the Kingdom of England and the Nation of Scots, comes the wisdom of Queen Marianna, long may she reign.

Hers is the royal blood of one hundred and twenty-three queens and kings, and so shall her Edict in this high year be obeyed gladly by her subjects.

If any unmarried laird or laird’s son from the Lowlands or Highlands is of age and unwed, he shall seek out a bride in the south, an English lady of noble blood.

Thus, our great land shall be so bound as it should be…

To the freedom and health of our great land, may we be united forevermore.

Any couples who wed within the first five years of this Edict shall enjoy the Queen’s favor and a rich bounty.

Long live Queen Marianna!