'Reign' season 3 spoilers, plot news: Elizabeth takes the Scottish crown as Mary is presumed dead?

"Reign" season 3 spoilers clearly indicate that the Scottish crown would be put on the line when Mary (Adelaide Kane) is presumed dead. As a result, her cousin Elizabeth I Tudor (Rachel Skarsten) would try to wrest the crown so she could take control of the country.

Carter Matt has reported that episode 17 titled "Intruders" would see Mary's half-brother James (Dan Jeannotte) forced to defend his sister's throne. He would be battling it out with a man named John Knox (Jonathan Goad).

Mary would also come face-to-face with Francis' (Toby Regbo) killer, as a clan leader named Munroe captures her and Bash (Torrance Coombs). If Mary is able to convince this Munroe person that she is the only one who can unite the warring Scottish clans, she could then manage to avenge Francis' death.

Fashion & Style also provided glimpses into the episodes leading to the season's finale. It seems that Mary would learn of Elizabeth's devious plan to usurp the throne, prompting the former to make a bold move to defend her reign. Unfortunately, this move might lead to a battle between her and her cousin's English troops.

Nevertheless, before any battle ensues, Mary would be forced to keep her royal identity a secret until she finds a person whom she can trust. According to SpoilerTV, this is a means to an end after she discovers that Scotland has become a treacherous and violent country in her absence.

Upcoming episodes would also see Lola (Anna Popplewell) being accused of a heinous crime and suffering its dire consequences. On the other hand, in France, Queen Catherine de Medici (Megan Follows) would find out that her son Charles (guest star Spencer MacPherson) has come back to the court a changed man after he paid the price for the queen's unrelenting pursuit of power.

"Reign" airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on the CW.