court-intrigue
The chapter depicts the complex and tense interactions among the king, his courtiers, and the physician, highlighting power struggles and mistrust.
2 chapters across 2 books
Hard to be a God (1964)Arkadi and Boris Strugatsky
In this chapter, the king suffers from gout and reluctantly accepts treatment from the physician Budach, whose medicine causes the king great distress and anger. Rumata observes the court's dynamics, noting the king's volatile behavior and the tension among the courtiers. Later, Rumata returns home to find his house guarded against potential threats, reflecting the dangerous and unstable environment surrounding him.
Quicksilver (Baroque Cycle, #1) (2003)Neal Stephenson
This chapter consists of two letters written by Eliza, a governess newly arrived at the Palace of Versailles in the summer of 1685. She describes her difficult journey, the intrigue and social dynamics of the French court, the King's secret marriage to Madame de Maintenon, and the challenges she faces navigating the complex, highly artificial environment of Versailles while caring for noble children. Eliza also comments on the financial irresponsibility of her employer and the pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and political maneuvering.