When James VI, 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 meeting with King James VI leads him to becoming Cup Bearer and Master of the Horse to his young liege.Together with James' foster brother John Erskine, Master of Mar, the three enter a new era of political intrigue and dynastic manoeuvring. When David meets and falls in love with Elizabeth Beaton he hopes he can distance himself from court events and lead a quiet family life in his beloved Perthshire hills. But the demands of a right royal friend lead him straight back into the thick of one of the most notable periods of Scots and English history.