Death of Charles V
Charles V of France lies on his deathbed in the Château de Beauté, surrounded by his queen, courtiers, physicians, and clergy. The room is filled with a somber atmosphere as they await the moment of h
Setting
The grand bedchamber of Château de Beauté, a royal residence overlooking the Marne River. The room is spacious with high ceilings, adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of courtly life and battles. A large canopied bed dominates the center, surrounded by courtiers, physicians, and clergy.
Characters
Charles V of France
primary
A gaunt man in his mid-40s with hollow cheeks and sunken eyes, his once-regal features now pallid and drawn from prolonged illness. His thin hands rest atop embroidered bed linens, the veins prominent against pale skin. Though weakened, his posture retains traces of royal dignity even in repose.
Queen Jeanne
primary
A woman in her late forties, with a slender yet graceful build, her face showing signs of grief and exhaustion. Her high cheekbones and delicate features are accentuated by the flickering candlelight. Her hands are clasped around the king's, trembling slightly as she whispers prayers.
Court Physician
secondary
A middle-aged man with a gaunt face and deep-set eyes that betray years of sleepless study. His thin lips are pressed tightly together, and his graying beard is neatly trimmed in the scholarly fashion of the time. His hands, though aged, are steady as they attend to the king.
Bishop
secondary
A tall, gaunt man in his late 50s with a deeply lined face that speaks of years of solemn duty. His piercing blue eyes are framed by thin silver eyebrows, and his long fingers bear the ink stains of a scholar. A prominent aquiline nose gives him an air of authority.
Royal Guard
background
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face and close-cropped dark beard. His piercing blue eyes are fixed forward, though they glisten with unshed tears. His hands, calloused from years of wielding weapons, remain perfectly still at his sides.
Lady-in-Waiting
background
A noblewoman in her late 20s with a slender yet graceful build, dark brown hair neatly covered by a fine linen wimple, and fair skin that flushes with emotion. Her tear-streaked face reveals delicate features and a quiet dignity befitting her station.
Dialog
Charles V of France
Jeanne... the time approaches when we must render our final accounting to God. The kingdom... ensure it remains in steady hands.
Queen Jeanne
By the Virgin's mercy, my lord, you shall yet recover. Have faith as Saint Louis did in his final hour.
Court Physician
The lunar conjunction with Mars suggests... perhaps a draught of mithridatum to balance the black bile?
Bishop
Per istam sanctam unctionem... May the Lord pardon thee all thy sins of sight, hearing, smell, taste and speech.
Charles V of France
The library... our translations of Aristotle... they must—
Queen Jeanne
Peace, my beloved. The scribes have recorded every word. Your wisdom shall endure as Solomon's.
Bishop
Proficiscere, anima Christiana... Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the Father Almighty.