Cleopatra's preparations for death included it (3)
I believe the answer is:
asp
'it' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'cleopatra's preparations for death included' is the wordplay.
'ASP' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm unsure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for asp that I've seen before include "Slithery thing" , "Cleopatra's supposed nemesis" , "Cleopatra's poisoner" , "creeper" , "Venomous snake" .)