How is Queen Mary Tudor portrayed in the novel, The Virgin’s Lover?

Queen Mary is presented only a few times in the book, both as a bitter and weary woman, who undoubtedly is in constant pain and has been in conflict for most of her life. When she grants a pardon to Robert Dudley, she has just been left by her husband King Philip and is very weary, knowing that she is probably like to die soon. At this time in her life, Queen Mary seems to be weary of the whole game of thrones and just wants some rest, which is why she has sympathy for Robert's position as one of the few surviving heirs to his family, and who himself has been brought so low by changing fortunes.