Life has dealt them some 'cruel blows' in recent years. [=some very bad things have happened to them in recent years]
The law forbids 'cruel and unusual punishment'. [=punishment that is very harsh and inappropriate for the crime]
I thought it was rather 'cruel' [='unkind'] of them to give her all the dirty work.
(..) My firstborn son. My golden lion foully, falsely slain. I pray you found a lasting peace free from strife and pain. Hear my prayer, O cruel gods. Take my life instead. For I cannot face another day when my sweet boy is dead. Oh, woe. Oh, grief. (..)2016 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: Blood of My Blood Season: 6 Episode 6