David II of Scotland was born on March 5, 1324, and became king in 1329 after the death of his father, Robert the Bruce. His reign was marked by ongoing conflicts with England, particularly during the Hundred Years' War. David II spent much of his early reign in exile due to military defeats, including the significant loss at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. He returned to Scotland in 1357, where he worked to restore stability and strengthen the kingdom. His reign ended with his death on February 22, 1371, after which his cousin, Robert II, ascended to the throne.