Maxim Maresh

Maxim by hadrihanah

**King Maxim Maresh** is the King of Arnes, husband of Emira Maresh, and father of Rhy and Kell.

## Physical description

Maxim has dark skin, black hair, bright honey-colored eyes, and a well-kept beard. He also has the sturdy build of a typical Arnesian. As king, he normally wears royal robes and coats as well as rings and jewels.

## Personality

Maxim is headstrong and strict and always puts the good of his people above himself. He has very definite ideas about right and wrong, and is more than prepared to make difficult choices for the good of many. Despite that, he has a kind side and loved his family dearly.

When he was younger, Maxim's ruthlessness and cunning in battle earned him the title of "The Steel Prince," something he never forgot, even in peace.

## Biography

### Birthday preparations

While having tea with Emira and Rhy, he studies official documents and talks with his family about Rhy's upcoming twentieth birthday. Rhy suggests to extend the festivities to a week and party extensively, but Maxim and Emira dismiss his suggestions.

Kell then joins them after returning from Grey London, and Maxim asks him how his trip was and if he is well. Kell replies that his trip was longer than he would have liked and that he is well. Shortly afterward, Kell and Rhy excuse themselves and leave Maxim and Emira alone in the courtyard.

The next day, Maxim asks Kell to deliver a letter to White London.

### The Black Night

The following evening, Rhy's birthday ball takes place. Maxim and Emira greet the guests, among them Lila Bard who notices that they have been enchanted.

Later that night, Astrid Dane possesses Maxim and issues an order to arrest Kell, stating that he committed treason and kidnapped and tried to kill Rhy. When Astrid and Athos Dane are defeated and the black stone's magic dispelled, Kell and Lila return to Red London and are promptly arrested and brought to the king and queen.

Maxim orders all guards to leave before he demands to know from Kell what happened. Kell tells him and Emira everything, from his smuggling to the Danes' plan to conquer Red London and tear down the seals; he also assures them that the twins are now dead—he defeated them with Lila's help.

The king and queen are curious about Lila, wanting to know who she is and where she comes from; Lila lies that she arrived per ship a few days ago and decided to help Kell save his home. She also calls them out for treating her and Kell like criminals, but her words fall on deaf ears. Maxim and Emira then inquire about Rhy, and Kell informs them that he is well. As soon as he and Lila are released, Kell will get him.

### The *Essen Tasch*

In February 1820, Maxim has lunch with Emira, Rhy, Lisane, and Parlo in the sunroom. They are going through the preparations for the *Essen Tasch* again and try to find fitting suites for their foreign royal guests to stay. Kell briefly joins them and when he is about to leave, Maxim stops him and sends him to Grey London for a letter delivery. He tells Kell not to stay too long and orders Staff to wait for Kell at his return point.

Later, Staff and Hastra bring Kell to Maxim, and Kell gives him George IV's letter and informs him about George III's passing.

## Appearances

* *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*
* *Shades of Magic: Night of Knives*
* *Shades of Magic: The Rebel Army*
* *A Life Erased* (mentioned only)
* *Brothers*
* *A Darker Shade of Magic* (first appearance)
* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power* (mentioned only)

## Gallery

*See more here*
Maxim's character design.Young Maxim
## Titles and styles

* **— March 1820:** *His Majesty* The King

## Trivia

* General
* Etymology

* He has a deep voice.

- "Maxim" is a Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian name. It is derived from the Latin name "Maximus" which means "greatest."

## References

1. ↑ *A Conjuring of Light*, III: Fall or Fight, II
2. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, III: The King's Heart, VII
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, II: Red Royal, III
4. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, I
5. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IX: Festival & Fire, III
6. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XII: Sanctuary & Sacrifice, III
7. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XIV: The Final Door, II
8. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, I
9. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, III
10. ↑ Behind the Name — Maxim
11. ↑ Behind the Name — Maximus