The exact circumstances of her death are not revealed immediately, but it becomes clear that she was killed by someone who had access to her chambers and was motivated to silence her.
Here's what we know:
* Tilda's murder is directly tied to the plot surrounding the "forged" charters: Tilda was a keen observer and had uncovered evidence that the charters presented to the King were fraudulent. She had intended to expose this to King Richard.
* Her death is a cover-up: The perpetrators of the murder knew that Tilda's knowledge was dangerous, and her silence was essential to protect their scheme.
* There are multiple suspects: The book presents several potential culprits, making it a mystery to be unraveled. These include the Duke of Gloucester, the Bishop of Ely, and even individuals within the King's household.
The specifics of Tilda's murder and the culprit are revealed gradually throughout the story.
The death of Tilda serves several purposes in the novel:
* It establishes a sense of danger and intrigue: The murder is a shocking event that sets the stage for a suspenseful narrative.
* It highlights the political corruption: The murder is a direct result of the power struggles and the fight for control over the kingdom.
* It fuels the protagonist's determination: The death of Tilda motivates the protagonist, Owen Tudor, to seek justice and expose the truth.
Overall, Tilda's death is a crucial element in "Forged by Fire," driving the plot forward and revealing the corrupt nature of the political landscape.