Crossbows really do not change that much on strength requirements. You get more leverage. But still you need quite a lot of strength for high power crossbow to get enough power to shoot like that. Real bonus is easier aim and not having to sustain the draw.
Sunk cost fallacy... Poured too much resources into him. Both monetarily and reputation wise. Kings really are not omnipotent. They also have to partake in politics on various levels. At this point best hope is miserable end in dungeon. Admitting being wrong is bigger problem for a King...
Bitch you asked for this. Now I hope they ensure that she works to death. There must be potions to replace sleep. So 20-22 hour workdays sound reasonable.
Victorians got up to lot of really nasty stuff... Like very nice green from arsenic... Wallpapers especially, but also others.
In general lot of stuff that make us shudder these days.
Why not asking them to sacrifice something in turn. Say manhood and permanent disfigurement. Or a few limbs each? Nothing big. They can still live lavishly, but it would be absolutely fair trade wouldn't it?