Alden IX

King **Alden IX** is the current King of Medland. He has reigned since succeeding his father, Alden VIII "the Reformer" in 2465.

Following an illustrious military career during his time as heir-apparent, since he began his reign he has dealt with the squabbling of an increasingly divided parliament.

The King has mostly stayed out of politics, and instead devoted much of his time to hunting on his private estates, especially his personal residence of Hindwick House, in the shire of Suthermark. He has left the primary residence of the King, Pyden Castle, to his son, Prince Reckart.

## Biography

### Early Life

Alden was born on 9th Hyran 2433 in Marcher Castle. He was the eldest child of King Alden VIII and his consort, Queen Mara of Shenlan. He was named *Alden Samwin* after his father and grandfather.

As the eldest son of the Meddish king, he was automatically Prince of Unster at birth.

Unlike his father and all predecessors, Alden was not taught by private tutors, but instead was sent to the Duchess of Worslon's Preparatory School in Pyden in 2442, and the Haver School in 2447.

After finishing his education at the age of 18, Alden refused the offer of places at the Universities of Orvienne and Unster, instead choosing to go straight into the Royal Meddish Army. He was accepted into the Royal Military Academy for the autumn intake of 2451.

### Military Career

After finishing his training at the Royal Military Academy, Alden was commissioned as a Cornet into the 5th (Shennish) Lancers. He was eventually promoted to Lieutenant later that year.

In 2453, now a Captain, Alden began a tour of Kekere - a colony of Medland. During his visit, however, the Kingdom of Eniyan invaded to attempt to annex the city-state colony. The prince was put in charge of the Rockerham Fort near the border with Eniyan.

Alden was eventually relieved by Col Dannock Folsham of the Royal Territorial Rifles. However, he remained at the fort and was awarded the Distinguished Gallantry Medal for his actions. However, as heir apparent, he was swiftly removed from Kekere and returned to Medland where he was promoted to Major and was made a member of the Royal Army Staff. He was eventually made Patron-Commander of his former regiment, the 5th (Shennish) Lancers.

### Marriage and Issue

During a 2457 visit to the Kingdom of Nerro, the Prince met Edane, youngest daughter of Rekhard IV, Grand Duke of Kemfort-Halst, at a ball for the engagement of her older brother, the Hereditary Grand Duke. Alden's father was initially unsure of the marriage as he had wanted his son to find a Meddish wife. However he eventually conceded and prince Alden proposed in 2458. She accepted and they were married.

The marriage has produced two children:

* Reckart, Prince of Unster (born 2460)
* Mara, Princess of the Rivers (born 2463)

### Monarch

The prince and his family initially lived in Marcher Castle, where the prince had been born, however in the summer of 2465 he was summoned to the capital as his father had fallen ill. The king died on the morning of 28th Esperay 2465 and Alden was proclaimed as King Alden IX the same day. He was crowned two months later at the Curial Basilica of Pyden by the archon of Pyden.