Throughout, the deteriorating condition of the health of her father, King Henry Vlll, and the effect this has on the uncertainties of the court, is carefully, sometimes graphically depicted. The surgeon took a red-hot lancet and prodded the wound. From Father s legs came near a cup of poisonous fluids. We are reminded that even kings suffered from the medical treatments of the times. At times I feel cherished by my father, but at times I worry he will discard me like an old cloak.
Beheadings are common.
Her worries are in fact justified. A pivotal scene is the one in which soldiers enter the room. Blood spilled onto a mosaic floor from a bronze shield that was being carried as a tray. On this tray was the severed head of my sister, Berenice. It was Cleopatra s father who ordered the deed done.