Andromeda of Ba'as

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Andromeda of Ba'as
The Queen consort of Balian
AndromedaofBa'as2.jpg
Andromeda C. 1920
Queen-Consort of Balian
Tenure: 18th of Godfrey’s Triumph 1921 - 1950
Coronated: 13th of Godfrey's Triumph, 1922
Predecessor: Yelena of Marsana
Born: 15th of Sun’s Smile, 1896,
Principality of Ba'as
Spouse: King Adrian I
(m. 1920) (d. 1950)
House: Rostampur of Ba'as
Father: Vasilis Lyraide
Mother: Daria, Princess of Ba'as

Andromeda Ester (Common: Anna Esther), regally known as Andromeda of Ba'as was the third Queen-Consort of Balian through her marriage to Adrian I, King of Balian in 1920. Andromeda was the first Queen of Balian who held a public presence in the courts of Monterosa and the Kingdom itself. She was the daughter of a powerful matriarch, the first Ba'as had ever seen, which in turn played a role in the way she enacted policies as Queen.

Her tenure would end with a swift and public denouncement of the title, citing her husband as unfaithful and cementing herself in infancy even though the truth of the matter was anything but such.

Biography

Early Life

Andromeda Ester Rostampur was born on the 5th of Sun’s Smile, 1896, to at the time, Princess Daria Rostampur and her husband, Lord Vasilis Lyraide. She was the second daughter of the royal couple, boasting an older brother and sister at the time of her arrival. Andromeda was named after the ruins of the kingdom of Seventia, an ancient tale her father had adored.

Andromeda and her pet cat C.1892' Art by Miss_Confined

In her youth, she was known as being the brightest of her siblings, bringing much joy to the small, but loving, princely family. Her great-grandfather, Balthazar, Prince of Ba’as, doted on each sector of his family and attended to their every need, taking a special interest in both Andromeda and her older sister Asria. Both girls were taught the traditions of their Rhenyari culture and ways to honor it in daily life. More often than not, Andromeda was towing behind the Prince to political gathers or other occasions of note.

However, tragedy struck in 1900 when Andromeda’s brother, Archaes, would venture far beyond the safety of Ba’as and was cursed by the villainous Rudran Samraaj. The Rudran was a sorcerer of some strength and had already been brewing trouble for the principality, but the death of a prince was seen as a heinous act and a war soon began. Ba’as, although rich with culture and traditions, had little to no military to back the battles and began to lose territory. In a last-ditch effort, Theophilus Saffar, the second vizier to the Prince of Ba’as, would send a letter to the Kingdom of Balian. The said letter would plead with the Almaris superpower for military aid against Samraaj, but in turn, promised a crown princess of the principalities family as a wife for the future monarch of Balian.

An agreement was arranged in 1902 and ships of men were sent to the coastline of Ba’as, protecting any further damage and eventually winning the war in 1903. However, for Andromeda, her entire life would change. Balthazar would retire from his station as Prince of Ba’as, allowing his granddaughter, Daria, to inherit. Thus, Andromeda and her sister were both crown princesses.

A majority of her education now focused on preparing both girls for not only potential rulership but the vast journey across the sea to Balian to fulfill such duties. It was decided that after Archaes death that Asria would be the heir to Ba’as after her mother, which left the sole duty of marriage for an alliance with Andromeda at the mere age of 7. Her life became a whirlwind of wardships, lectures, and meetings in which she would follow her mother and Asria to.

Andromeda struggled with the sudden influx of responsibilities, having never been explained why she had such a vital role in her people’s well-being other than it was her duty. However, as she grew, she began to take this duty very seriously. Through sheer dedication, she would become a master in politics, religious, and cultural practices. Little room was left for anything else other than enacting her family's plans for her.

Move to Balian

An eight-month journey from the eastern city of Ba'as has taken its toll on all on board. Long stretches without land, living off rations - it was hardly the sort of environment for anyone of gentle birth, let alone princesses of the Rostampur line.

Yet such a voyage had gone well, all things considered. Two governesses had kept the princesses as engaged as they could in affairs of the West. The captain and his first mate ensured a smooth and steady course on the good ship Shalagold. Spirits were as high as could be, given the perilous journey, with many wondering what sort of world Almaris could be.

It was only as they neared the shores of the new continent that trouble brewed. By the time they were within a day's reach, black sails circled the galleon. Fearing the worst, the mustachioed Captain Nafis Dhiraj elected to send the princesses with the aloof dark elf that had kept to himself most of the trip on a scuttle. The three, two girls and the elf, soon found themselves ported into the town of Adria, laying over until they could take the next carriage and ferry south.

Once the princesses had arrived in Balian, an abundance of the citizens gathered in the square as curiosity filled their heads. Andromeda in tow behind Asria was said to remark about how familiar the Kingdom felt to home. Eventually, they were escorted to the royal court and introduced to the King and his children, including the heir, Hadrian Casimir Novellen.

All seemed cordial between the Prince and Princess upon their first meeting, and seeing as the King, Alexander I, approved of the match, a missive was published to let the public know of the engagement. Said notice informed the public that the pair would wed in 1920 following five years of travel that would connect the newly arrived Andromeda to the people of Almaris and Hadrian to her. Many people were awed by her grace and her presence sent shockwaves of inspiration throughout different populations as she was to be the first true-blooded Rhenyari queen ever.

Despite her popularity, she held little in the eyes of her future husband. Hadrian had already been unfaithful since the time of her arrival and once such news became public, Andromeda became resentful. The pair’s relationship would never completely recover from this incident as in private Andromeda would treat Hadrian with repulsion and Hadrian simply had to accept his betrothed’s conduct for their engagement was far more than love, it was an alliance.

Andromeda would take up guidance under Princess Augustina, Governess of Monterosa, who aided in filling in the gaps of knowledge for Andromeda in preparation for her time as queen. As a part of the festival of springs coming, she would host her first event known as the Vernal Ball of 1916. She was met with major success and invites from all the noble families to be introduced to their daughters or heirs. Her prominence as the betrothed to the heir was mightier than the Queen’s herself.

Marriage

Following the agreed upon five years of travel, Andromeda and Hadrian would settle together in the capital of Balian as they prepared for their upcoming nuptials. The city was buzzing with life as people from all over Almaris traveled to the heart of the desert kingdom in hopes of catching a glimpse of the royal couple before their marriage.

Andromeda wore a gown of the Balian style, donning hues of proud purple in unison with her husband. They would be wed in the Basilica La Sorella in 1920 and walk down the aisle together as witnesses held up gilded Lorraine crosses behind the couple. In tradition with Balinese weddings, the couple drank from a glass of blessed wine as to represent the future moments shared between husband and wife, both bitter and sweet. In a final act after vows, both planted kisses on the founding stone of King John as a symbolic dedication to Balian.

After the ceremony, a large feast took place with the Balianese Bard College performing for entertainment. Andromeda enjoyed fostering the arts and had requested the Bards herself.

Princess of Monterosa

Through her marriage to the heir of Balian, Andromeda was titled the Princess of Monterosa and began her duties as such with haste. She would briefly aid in the curation of maids and valets under the palace along with the preparations for the second Symposia Pragma. Albeit, it was all under the attentive eyes of Princess Augustina. Andromeda had also been busy elsewhere, expanding her collection of fashions as she was of the strong belief that a well-dressed ruler was a well-respected one.

In 1921, Hadrian and her would foster an heir together, Johanna Casimira, the new Princess of Monterosa and the Duchess of Abretta. The baby was born just weeks after Hadrian's father, Alexander, King of Balian, had died and therefore made Hadrian and Andromeda the new rulers of Balian. Andromeda would not bare another child for six years, leaving Johanna to mature into young adolescence much on her own.

As Queen-Consort of Balian

The coronation took place the following year in 1922 after the complete recovery of Andromeda and was conducted by His Holiness, Sixtus V. It began with both majesties being anointed with holy oils and her husband, Hadrian, taking the regnal name Adrian. Thereafter both were crowned and relics were presented to them by selected peers and members of the royal house. An assessment followed, aimed to uplift the already cheery spirits of those gathered for the monumental occasion.

Her tenure as Queen was unlike any other reigning Queen of Balian as while both Yelena and Gwyneth attended their husbands, they unconsciously neglected the courts. Andromeda, almost invincible in her demeanor, guided her people through the torment of the Mori on Almaris and along with her husband established the new world of Balian in Aveos. She played a key role in the construction of the new capital and invigorating the spirits of her people. They looked to her for much guidance during the voyage due to her very personal experience on long travels, being from Ba’as.

Her reign would see the destruction of the Monterosa palace and the completion of the Arancione Palatio, later titled the Andromedan Court after her. It was located serenely to the south of the capital, Portoregne, and acted as the seat of power for the Royal House of Novellen. The first floor featured a unique design, being open concept with spaces designed especially for revelries and the upper floors for the restricted access of the Royal Family and trusted acquaintances.

Furthermore, the new palace also came with the firm establishment of a Queen’s Council that reworked the outdated and barren Governess system. Now Andromeda was in charge followed by a Palatiodora, Camareiro, Amfitiro, and Secretariat that made up the major council. The lesser court and advisors were also crucial parts of the newly vested courts. This occurred for several years, where nothing further advanced within the court which had been consumed by family infighting. At its peak, having largely disappeared from court life and claiming to have felt surrounded by vultures, Andromeda openly bursted into tears in court whilst being scolded by Princess Elena. By 1950, Andromeda would publicly denounce her husband and the Princess Elena, claiming him adulterous and her to be a spoilt princess. Amongst the court of Balian, there were polarized views in response to the heavily worded open letter. Nevertheless, she was widely ridiculed for her accusations by the Balianese Court yet seen in a generally favorable light internationally. Following the letter, King Adrian I would release a response and hastily file for divorce. Thus, stripping her of all former titles and her claim to Queen Mother as Balian outcasted her entirely. Given her writings, it is presumed she fled to Aaun following what was deemed as treasonous in writings by her husband.

Titles, Styles, & Honors

Titles & Styles

  • 1896-1920: Her Highness, Princess Andromeda Ester of Ba'as
  • 1920-1921 Her Royal Highness, Princess Andromeda Ester of Ba'as, Princess of Monterosa and Duchess of Abretta
  • 1921-1950 Her Royal Majesty, Andromeda of Ba'as, Queen-consort of Balian
  • 1950-Presently Her Highness, Andromeda Ester of Ba'as

Style as Queen-Consort of Balian

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Andromeda Ester of Ba’as, Queen-consort of Balian, Countess-consort of Monteres, Viscountess-consort of Eflen and Anatis, Baroness-consort of Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

Issue

Name Birth Death Marriage
Johanna Casimira, Princess of Monterosa 13th of the First Seed, 1921 1934 Unwed Firstborn daughter of Adrian and Andromeda of Ba'as, heir to the Kingdom of Balian until 1934 when she would die adventuring at sea.
Prince Alexander Casimir, Count of Pontazuro 20th of the Grand Harvest, 1926 Alive Unwed Firstborn son of Adrian and Andromeda of Ba'as, twin to Sibyl. Heir to Balian after his sister's death. Eventually, he would give the title to his younger sister in hopes of her being a better leader than himself.
Princess Sibyl Gwyneth, Princess of Monterosa 20th of the Grand Harvest, 1926 Alive Unwed Secondborn daughter of Adrian and Andromeda of Ba'as, twin to Alexander. Titled Princess of Monterosa in 1949.
Princess Eirene Daria, Countess of Caluzzo 2nd of Horen's Calling, 1928 Alive Unwed Thirdborn daughter of Adrian and Andromeda of Ba'as
Prince Michael Marcellus, Count of Senna 14th of Sigismund's End, 1930 Alive Unwed Secondborn son of Adrian and Andromeda of Ba'as
Prince Enrico Amedeus, Count of Abretta 1935 Alive Unwed Thirdborn son of Adrian and Andromeda of Ba'as.