The Northern Kingdom

Northern Empire — also called Divine Empire of Tharena, Northern Kingdom, Northern Provinces. Major state across two continents descended from the original Tharenan Empire. […] After the ascension of Empress Lucrece Calphurnia, typically styled a 'Kingdom' as part of the treaty ending the Callistian War of 1141-1144. The dynastic reforms of the following century arrested the devolution of the Northern Empire into independent states with renewed imperial control and system of rulership. Although not a traditional imperial dynasty, Calphurnian-Petronian kings ruled the Northern Empire until the Integration Crisis of 1453 after which the dynasty and system of rule continued in the Despotates of Altalyria and Yulaia in the federal New Tharenan Empire.

— Extract from the Encyclopaedia Axoniana, 1963 edition

To the esteemed Lady Felicia de Santos,

I write to you as my close friend and an inveterate protector of Tharena. Though you have scarce stepped foot in our holy city, your work for the people of the Kingdom have been felt across Corpunia and Altalyria, and the other Royal provinces besides. As befits the traditions of our Royal family, I deem it necessary to choose an heir and successor, and can find no person in all the Kingdom more fit to join the Calphurnia-Petronia family than you. By the grace of Tharena, the Blessing of the Guardian, and with the full agreement of Rex Major Antonia, I would name you my heir and successor.

Rex Minor Iulius of the family Calphurnia-Petronia

— Formal appointment of succession of future King Felicia

The low-ceilinged room stank of stale beer and smoke. This Goddess-forsaken corner, beyond the Northern Kingdom, was not a fit place for a future King, but Louis had been forced into this situation by circumstance. He positioned himself on the end of the bench and wrapped the blue woollen cloak tight around himself. It was not long before the Royal Spymaster, Alicia du Lac, entered — Louis was sure that nobody else would recognise her here, but he had been around the court long enough to know exactly who she was.

The discussions lasted a good while, the tavern-keeper clearly having been bribed to bring the wine, leave it at the end of the table, and not listen in. And the discussion had to continue quite a while until they reached the crux of the matter.

“How do you expect I should be appointed the King's heir when both the Kings are wastrels. They already suspect me of treachery, and could not consent to what would be an overthrow of their rule were I to be adopted into the family,” I whispered forcefully to the Spymaster.

She rolled her eyes as if I was an infant, and spoke slowly, surely to provoke my ire, “It is a simple matter of making them accept it, whether they like it or not. Their rule is not absolute. If you are indispensable, and all their advisors agree, they will have little choice.”

“So you expect me to schmooze up to those sycophantic fools of the Royal Court?” I said, and then sighed, adding, “Yourself excepted, Alicia.”

“Yes, that is exactly what I expect you to do. For the good of Tharena, for the good of the North. What use are you and your competence if you do not rule? I would rather this not turn bloody, or into some civil war,” the Spymaster said quietly, ignoring my attempt to not call her a sycophantic fool. She wasn't, and I suppose she knew that.

“Fine. We will attempt your bloodless coup. Mark my words,” I said, thumping my fist on the table lightly, “if we get nowhere with this, I will be able to marshal the armies of three quarters of the Duchies and I challenge the Legion to try stop me!”

“Keep your voice down, for the Guardian's sake man,” Alicia hissed, “I am sure you would try fight the Legion, but I would not recommend it. Many of its commanders would be amenable to join the cause, even if others are paid well enough by the Kings.”

I didn't like it, but what else was there to do? These were the ways of the Northern Kingdom these days…

“Tell me, young mistress Opalina, where is it that you wish to study?” the old mage asked.

The young Ssar woman in turn smiled widely at him, “I will go to the South, and take the Imperial exams there, I think.”

“Oh, do you not find our schools and universities sufficient education here in the North?” the ancient Muella continued, breaking off a piece of bread and slowly chewing it.

“No, no, I wouldn't mind it at all but… only I heard that if you want to be married, it is best to go and find love in the South,” she said, her smile growing, somehow.

“Ridiculous, do not enough Southerners come here already? For their education, and trade, and to join the Duchess' armies?” the mage said incredulous at the woman's statement.

“Oh they do Uncle, they do. They've done it a long time, but I have not found anyone to my liking, so I thought I would go South. After all, is that not where you met Auntie?” the young woman, still smiling needled at the old man.

The Muella's face turned even more sour, “I suppose I did.” He chewed his bread. “And see how that's worked out?”

“You don't love Auntie?”

“Oh I do, I do,” the man said and stared off a moment into the distance. “I do, but that Southern charm is too strong. Oh the things I have done for her because of love. Ah… you are still too young to know.”

“Uncle, I am 20.”

The old mage's face dropped and he sighed, “Ah, do as you will. I am sure you would prove no less vulnerable to their charms here than in the South. So be it.”