When James the Sixth, His Grace of Scotland, also becomes His Majesty
of England, far-reaching changes take place in the two realms.
David Murray, the young son of Sir Andrew, a Perthshire laird, has no aspirations
to greatness. Then a chance encounter with King James the Sixth leads to him
becoming Cup Bearer and Master of the Horse to his young liege. Together with
James's foster brother John Erskine, Master of Mar, the three men enter a new
era of political intrigue and dynastic manoeuvring.