‘Royal court intrigue at its finest.’ —Historical Writers Association

 ‘A stunning novel about the birth of the United Kingdom that demonstrates the scholarship of the author, as well as her imaginative power.’ —Richard Holloway

A new historical novel offering wonderful insight into life in 17th century Edinburgh and London, and in particular the extravagant, intrigue-ridden, courts of James Stuart and his Danish consort, Anna.

George Heriot, jeweler to King James VI, moves with the Court from Edinburgh to London when James inherits the English throne. It is 1603. Life is a Babel of languages and glittering new wealth. The Scottish court speaks Danish, German, Middle Scots, French and Latin. James gives Shakespeare his first secure position. To calm the perfidious religious tensions in the country, he commissions his translation of the Bible. He creates the Union Jack, called after himself.

George becomes wealthier than the King as he sets a fashion for hat jewels and mingles with Drummond of Hawthornden, Ben Johnson, Inigo Jones and the mysterious ambassador Luca Von Modrich. However, both King and courtier bow before the phenomenal power invested in their wives.