Mary, Queen of Scots met her death with a composure that stunned even her enemies. On February 8, 1587, she became the first anointed monarch in European history to be formally executed—a moment that permanently altered the idea of royal inviolability. Mary approached the scaffold at Fotheringhay Castle dressed in mourning black, projecting dignity and restraint. But beneath her gown, she wore crimson petticoats, a deliberate and powerful symbol. In Catholic tradition, red represented martyrdom, and Mary intended her death to be remembered not as a disgrace, but as a sacrifice made for her faith. Witnesses described her calm demeanor as she prayed aloud and forgave her executioners. She did…