2. A Grain of Deception

Mary and James clash when they disagree over how to handle a leak among her advisors. Mary orders James to seduce John Knox's wife, Emily (Claire Hunter), for information but he refuses. John Knox visits English court, where he narrowly escapes being entrapped by Elizabeth, Gideon and Narcisse. Narcisse, angered at being unable to avenge Lola, sabotages Elizabeth's attempt to allow Darnley to marry Keira. At French court, Charles is increasingly absent from his royal duties, forcing Catherine to block Leeza's attempts to bring Spanish influence there. Unknown to all, Charles is suffering from an illness. Mary asks Greer to move to Scotland permanently, and to manage Lola's family's estates.