Mary Stuart is born at Linlithgow Palace in Scotland, daughter of King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. Her father dies six days later, making her Queen of Scotland at just six days old.

Regents govern Scotland in Mary's name. The Treaty of Greenwich, which aims to marry Mary to Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VI of England), is agreed upon but ultimately rejected by the Scottish Parliament due to increasing pro-French sentiment and distrust of England.

To protect her and strengthen the Franco-Scottish alliance, Mary is sent to France at the age of five. She is raised at the French court, intended to marry the Dauphin Francis.

Mary receives an excellent education in France, learning languages (including French, Latin, Italian, Spanish, and Scots), literature, poetry, music, and courtly skills. She becomes known for her beauty, charm, and intelligence.

Mary marries Francis, the Dauphin of France, at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This union makes her Queen Consort of France upon Francis's ascension to the throne.

Upon the death of Henry II of France, Francis becomes King Francis II, and Mary becomes Queen Consort of France. This elevates her status and influence considerably.

Francis II dies after a short reign. Mary is now a young widow, and her position in France is weakened. She decides to return to Scotland.