John VI Kantakouzenos
Meanwhile, Thomais' deposed brother Nikephoros was living in Constantinople where he had supported John VI Kantakouzenos in the civil war against John V Palaiologos. Titled "panhypersebastos", then "despotes", Nikephoros married in summer 1342 Kantakouzenos' daughter Maria and was named governor of Ainos and the Hellespont between 1351 and 1355.