Queen Leonora II

### Other Family

Harmen Cagle Sylis (uncle), King Georgos II (grandfather, deceased 1073), Princess Maribel Sylis (née Ariz, grandmother, deceased 1068), Lord Michael Markum (grandfather, deceased 1064), Cpt Henrietta Markum (first cousin), Lord Brisbane Markum (first cousin)

## Allegiance

### Title

Queen Leonora II of House Sylis, 27th Monarch of the Kingdom of Althea

### Occupation

Queen of the Kingdom of Althea (1084-present, 43 years)

**Leonora II** is the current reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Althea. She ascended to the throne in 1084 AV at the age of 22, following the unexpected death of her father, King Ardem V. Known for her stern and practical policies, Leonora II's 43-year reign has been marked by stability, economic growth, increased trade, and diplomatic success, as well as a focus on improving the quality of life for her subjects. Lord Darroll Tirone, who served her father, grandfather, and great grandmother as viceroy, has also maintained the office her entire reign. Leonora II was married to Prince Brad Henigburd from 1089 AV until his assassination in 1114 AV.

## Early Life

Queen Leonora II was born Princess Leonora Maribel Sylis, in Althea Prone in 1062 AV. during the reign of her grandfather King Georgos II, as the only child of Prince Ardem Vitani Sylis(later King Ardem V) and Princess Emilia Sylis(née Markum, and later Princess Emilia The Queen Mother). Her birth, while a joyous occasion for her family, was not marked by grand festivities, as she was not the heir presumptive at that time. It was only in 1073 AV, following the abdication of her uncle Harmen to pursue an academic career at the Goldsea Institute, that her father ascended to the throne, making the eleven-year-old Leonora the new focus of the Kingdom's future. Before her sudden elevation to heir presumptive, Leonora's education was more general, encompassing the arts, sciences, and literature. However, once her father became King Ardem V, her educational focus shifted dramatically. The King took it upon himself to serve as her primary mentor, ensuring that she was well-versed in the intricacies of governance, economics, and military strategy. Renowned scholars and experts were invited to the royal court to provide specialized instruction, but it was her father's wisdom and guidance that had the most lasting impact on her.

As a teenager, Leonora began to undertake public duties, representing the crown at official events, diplomatic functions, and military ceremonies. Her father often accompanied her, offering real-time guidance and turning each public appearance into an invaluable learning experience. This early exposure to the responsibilities and expectations of royalty not only honed her skills but also instilled in her a sense of duty and commitment to her people. It was during these formative years that she evolved into a steadfast and competent leader, laying the foundation for her future reign.

## Personal Life after Coronation

In 1089 AV, Leonora II's life took a significant turn when she met Brad Tiberius Henigburd, the son of Lord Tiberius Henigburd of Ousurferia. The chemistry between them was immediate and palpable, leading to a courtship that captivated the hearts and imaginations of the Althean populace. Their union was celebrated in a grand ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Althea Prone, attended by dignitaries, nobles, and commoners alike. The marriage was not just a joining of two individuals but also a strengthening of ties between the Kingdom of Althea and the influential House Henigburd of Ousurferia.

The couple's happiness was further solidified with the birth of their son, Prince Ardem Georgos Sylis, in 1101 AV. The young prince was named in honor of both his maternal grandfather, King Ardem V, and his great-grandfather, King Georgos II. The birth was a momentous occasion, celebrated across the Kingdom as it ensured the continuation of the Sylis Dynasty. Both Leonora and Brad took an active role in their son's upbringing, balancing their royal duties with the responsibilities of parenthood. The family often retreated to a private estate in the countryside, away from the pressures of the court, to spend quality time together.

Tragedy struck the family in 1114 AV when Prince Brad was assassinated under mysterious circumstances. The event sent shockwaves throughout the Kingdom and left both the Queen and young Prince Ardem devastated. Despite her immense personal loss, Queen Leonora II displayed remarkable resilience. She continued to focus on her royal duties, even as she mourned the loss of her husband. In the wake of this tragedy, Prince Ardem was often sent to Lord Josor Rolf Esbrandt of Ousurferia for tutelage, as part of his preparation for future Kingship, while also strengthening relations between the Crown and the T&K Co. Queen Leonora's strength in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to her subjects and further solidified her reputation as a steadfast and competent leader.

## Reign and Policies

Ascending to the throne in 1084 AV at the age of 22, Queen Leonora II's reign has been a paragon of stability and prosperity for the Kingdom of Althea. Her policies have been both stern and practical, focusing on the well-being of her subjects and the advancement of her nation. Under her rule, the Kingdom has seen significant economic growth, increased trade, and diplomatic successes. Her keen understanding of both domestic and international affairs has allowed her to forge strong alliances and protect vital trade routes. Infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings, have been key priorities, demonstrating her commitment to the physical well-being of her nation.

A defining feature of her reign has been her emphasis on maintaining a strong and efficient navy, a priority inherited from her father's own experiences in the Royal Navy. This focus has been crucial in protecting the Kingdom from potential threats, particularly from the Great Fleet of Klans and the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS). Her strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts have also extended to the corporate world, particularly with the Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co), the largest private corporation in the world, which has profoundly influenced the continental balance of trade.

## Patronage and Cultural Impact

Leonora II has been a significant patron of the arts and sciences, recognizing the importance of intellectual and cultural development for the prosperity of her Kingdom and Venthalia at large. One of her most notable contributions has been her substantial endowment to the Goldsea Institute, an elite academic institution renowned for its magical and general studies programs. This endowment has enabled the Institute to expand its research capabilities and offer scholarships to deserving students, thereby democratizing access to quality education. Her patronage extends beyond the academic sphere into the arts, where she has sponsored numerous exhibitions, performances, and public art installations. The Queen's Arts Initiative, a royal program, has been particularly successful in nurturing local talent and bringing Venthalian art and culture to the international stage. The initiative has also facilitated cultural exchange programs, allowing artists to collaborate with their counterparts from other regions of Venthalia and beyond. This focus on the arts and sciences has spurred a cultural renaissance in the Kingdom and throughout Venthalia, turning the region into an intellectual and artistic hub that attracts talent from across Daunt.

## Diplomatic Relations

Queen Leonora II has been a masterful diplomat, skillfully navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of Venthalia and beyond. Her reign has seen the strengthening of alliances and the forging of new partnerships that have greatly benefited the Kingdom of Althea. One of her most significant diplomatic achievements has been her relationship with the T&K Co. Through a series of trade agreements and mutual investments, she has ensured that the Kingdom remains a key player in the continental balance of trade, thereby boosting the Kingdom's economic prosperity.

Her diplomatic acumen is perhaps best exemplified by her complex relationships with her closest advisors, Lord Darroll Tirone and Dunnivan Artega Gambilici. Lord Tirone, the Viceroy, has been a steadfast supporter of House Sylis for generations, serving not only Queen Leonora II but also her father, grandfather, and great-grandmother. His experience and Elven heritage have made him an invaluable asset in diplomatic negotiations, particularly in matters concerning the Elven communities within and outside the Kingdom. However, his traditionalist views have sometimes clashed with the Queen's more pragmatic approaches, leading to spirited debates within the royal court. On the other hand, the appointment of Dunnivan Artega Gambilici as the Royal Negotiator raised many eyebrows, given his background in the notorious Gambilici crime family. Yet, Queen Leonora II saw potential in his unique skill set, particularly his mastery of diplomatic and trade negotiation. Offering him an extremely handsome salary to shift his allegiance from his family's organization, she brought him into the Royal Court, where he has proven his worth time and again. This bold move was not without its critics, including Lord Tirone, who initially questioned the wisdom of such an appointment. However, the Queen's gamble has paid off, as Gambilici has been instrumental in resolving both domestic and international disputes.

The Queen has also made significant strides in fostering diplomatic relations with the Lords of Ousurferia, as evidenced by her decision to entrust her son, Prince Ardem, to the guidance of Lord Josor Rolf Esbrandt. This move not only prepares the young prince for his future role but also strengthens the ties between Althea Prone and Ousurferia. Her diplomatic efforts have been crucial in maintaining a delicate balance of power, ensuring that the Kingdom remains a dominant force in Venthalia.