About the book: 2015 / France, 16th century. Young Mary Stuart becomes Queen of France. An atmosphere of conspiracy reigns around her; all members of the crowned family are drawn into a web of intrigue. Maria is rapidly changing, becoming tough and suspicious. Now she must think and act like a ruler. And her first order is to close the gates of the castle, behind whose walls the “Black Death” is raging. Francis, the king and her husband, also finds himself on the other side of the gate. He set out on a journey through the plague villages for his maid of honor Mary, who was about to give birth to his son. Maria is left alone. And then she learns about the terrible prophecy of Nostradamus.