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This is really captivating! This gives me a good illustration of why history can be so captivating! Love the video! And how exciting to know that your book is coming out counting the days!

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I find the whole thing captivating, too! One of the most famous episodes in the history of Mary, Queen of Scots is the murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio (or Riccio). This took place while she was still in Scotland -- he was murdered practically in front of her while she was at dinner. The whole thing was brutal. One of the first things she did after the murder was to send one of her ladies to retrieve the 'French ciphers' that Rizzio kept safe; she was afraid her enemies (in this case the Scots rebels and her husband, who orchestrated the murder -- long story) would find them. Cipher is such an integral part of Mary's story. So fascinating to see this new chapter open up.

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