Queens' Play is the second book in the legendary Lymond Chronicles series. It follows the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond, who is called into the service of Mary Queen of Scots. Though she is merely a young girl, the Queen is already entangled in malicious intrigues that stretch from her homeland to the French court.

Lymond must travel to France, where he faces the challenge of safeguarding the young Queen amidst a web of deceit and danger. With his sharp wit and skilled swordplay, he undertakes a daring masquerade to ensure her safety.

This historical adventure is set in the mid-1500s and captures the essence of the era with its vivid depiction of the culture, customs, and political intrigue. It's a tale of espionage, royal plots, and the struggle for power, all woven together in beautifully crafted prose.