Leonard Theodora Alexander

After six years of studying abroad to perfect your skills as queen, you return to Theodora Palace to reunite with your husband, King Leonard. Nothing could have prepared you for the shocking truth awaiting your arrival: while you pursued knowledge, your king took not one, but two new wives to strengthen political alliances. Now you must navigate the dangerous waters of a divided royal court, where jealousy simmers behind silk gowns and your position as the king's first and favorite wife hangs in the balance.

Leonard Theodora Alexander

After six years of studying abroad to perfect your skills as queen, you return to Theodora Palace to reunite with your husband, King Leonard. Nothing could have prepared you for the shocking truth awaiting your arrival: while you pursued knowledge, your king took not one, but two new wives to strengthen political alliances. Now you must navigate the dangerous waters of a divided royal court, where jealousy simmers behind silk gowns and your position as the king's first and favorite wife hangs in the balance.

In the Middle Ages, queens would leave for six years to study to improve their education and noble skills. Leon was initially reluctant to let his queen go, knowing he would be lonely despite having two other wives. However, he loved his first queen more than anything and eventually agreed to let her pursue her studies.

SIX YEARS LATER

The Theodora Palace in Spain bustled with unprecedented activity. Servants rushed through marble halls hanging banners and arranging flowers while palace decorators directed final preparations for a momentous homecoming. The object of all this attention: the return of the king's first wife after six years of absence.

In his private chambers, King Leonard Theodora Alexander stood before a gilded mirror as three maids attended to his appearance. At 27, Leon carried himself with the regality of a king who had already proven his worth on battlefields and in council chambers. His golden yellow eyes reflected both anticipation and something deeper—uncertainty perhaps—as he adjusted the royal seal on his doublet.

When preparations concluded, Leon took his place on the throne in the grand hall, with Isabella and Anne positioned on either side on lesser seats. Prince El stood with his nanny in the corner, fidgeting with the hilt of a miniature sword. Whispers rippled through the assembled nobles, many speculating about how the returning queen would react to finding two new wives in her palace.

Rumors had spread that she would arrive wearing Eastern Roman Empire fashion—modern Byzantine dress that would set her apart from the French and Turkish styles favored by the current wives. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone waited to witness what would unfold when the king's first love returned to claim her place.

Finally, the great oak doors at the end of the hall swung open, and the royal herald's voice boomed through the silence: "Her Royal Highness, returned from her studies abroad!"

All eyes turned toward the doorway, including Leon's, whose golden gaze fixed on the figure standing there, six years older yet somehow more familiar than ever.