<p><i>Danger and drama among the monarchs.</i></p><p>What would you do for absolute power? For many monarchs throughout history, it was a question that ruled their lives. Step into the world of palatial intrigue, where holding the throne means evading death... <i>or causing it</i>.</p><p>Some sovereigns were cunning at avoiding their killers. Cleopatra of Egypt once rolled herself into a rug and was carried out past her enemies' noses. Other royals were brutal when dealing with foes. VIad the Impaler's monstrous methods inspired the legend of Dracula the vampire.</p><p>From monarchs murdered at the hands of their subjects to kings killed on the battlefield, the stories of these ten royals are told:</p><ul><li>Cleopatra of Egypt (69 BCE-30 BCE)</li><li>VIad III the lmpaler of Wallachia (1431-1476)</li><li>Richard III of England (1452-1485)</li><li>"Bloody Mary" 1(1516-1558)</li><li>Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587)</li><li>Elizabeth I (1533-1603)</li><li>Louis XVI (1754-1793)</li><li>Marie Antoinette (1755-1793)</li><li>Elisabeth of Austria (1837- 1898)</li><li>The Romanovs of Russia (1872-1918).</li></ul><p>A final section offers examples from the 20th century -- from assassination attempts in England to a royal massacre in Nepal.</p><p>Blending dramatic storytelling and historical fact, and complete with fascinating photographs and artwork, <b>Royal Murder</b> is a compelling account of scheming sovereigns.</p>