Overview #
Konstyentyn Aleksandar III (Konstentyn Aleksandar; born 10 August 11,898) is the current King of Vysaaria and Lord Protector of Kyrilia. He is the first-born child of Sopfie III and her husband, August rt Marwaldt. Despite being the firstborn of the monarch, Konstyentyn was not expected to ascend to the throne but would do so with the abdication of his cousin Wyllam Klaos in 11,922.
Konstyentyn Aleksandar III is an accomplished statesman, known for his ability to negotiate and adapt to an evolving state of affairs. Before becoming King, Konstyentyn made a name for himself as a decorated member of the Vysaarian Navy, as well as in foreign relations representing the Kingdom’s interests and as an advisor to his predecessor King Wyllam Klaos.
Early Life #
Birth and Family #
Konstyentyn was born on the 10th of August 11,898 at Pylatze Rynakt to the then-Princess Sofie rt Ehrenfyld, Duchess of Dygurchaff, and her husband, August rt Marwaldt. Upon birth, Konstyentyn received the honorary title, Prince of Vysaaria and the style of His Royal Highness. Konstyentyn was the first of the couple’s three children, followed a few years later by a brother and sister. While his family had a governess, his parents were fairly attentive and oversaw much of his childhood.
Childhood #
Konstyentyn would be primarily raised at the Pylatze Rynakt and was joined by his siblings and cousins over time. At first, his education would be handled by tutors, however, he was later sent to several boarding schools to complete his education. The young prince was quite active, enjoying a number of outside activities, including horseback riding and fencing. Alongside this he was also quite studious, excelling in his education, with his favorite subjects during his education being history and philosophy.
Despite being a member of the royal family, Konstyentyn was able to keep a low profile during the beginning of his life, with the choice of his parents. However, in 11,907 with the death of his uncle, King Dietryk II, Konstyentyn’s mother was elected Queen of Vysaaria by the Prince-Electors and from that moment, many considered Konstyentyn to be the obvious next in line for the throne, projecting him into the spotlight despite his reluctance.
Adolescence #
Konstyentyn struggled with others viewing him as the heir-presumptive following his mother’s ascension to the throne. Throughout his adolescence he privately voiced his lack of desire to become King and instead wanted to focus on his own education and be able to serve in a more minor role. Some people around the Prince believed that he would voluntarily renounce his right to the throne in order to ensure he would never be elected, however, this would never come to fruition.
Konstyentyn earned a reputation among the gentry and public as a refined and well-spoken young man. However, he was a bit rebellious, often not listening to his parents, and holding small but lavish gatherings. It was during this period that some began to find the Prince’s charisma and ability to captivate an audience a sign of a capable leader. At the age of 17, Konstyentyn joined the Vysaarian Navy after graduating a year early from Lansel Academy of the Military Arts, much to his parents’ chagrin as they wanted to keep him close at hand.
Reign of Sofie III #
As Duke of Dygurschaff #
Upon his mother’s ascension, Konstyentyn would inherit the title Duke of Dygurschaff. While this was an honor it was also not loved by the Prince at first, as he saw this as further cementing his place as heir to his mother. Despite these private feelings, Konstyentyn made good on this new position and was quite active in advocating for the Duchy when he was able to. He met regularly with local officials, oversaw social programs aimed at helping the people living in the province, and represented the needs of the people to his mother in letters and audiences.
Continued Naval Service #
Throughout most of the remainder of his mother’s reign, Konstyentyn actively served in the Navy as a Line Officer. He worked his way through the ranks and was said to have a good sense for leadership and naval tactics. Critics often cited his origin as a part of the Royal Family as a source of his continued success in the Navy, however he found allies among the officers and enlisted men he served alongside. His first posting was as Executive Officer aboard the Type 22 Destroyer VNV Nimble, as part of operations in the Gulf of Empires.
Konstyentyn found himself part of a small skirmish with Gystgarii naval forces in January 11,918, as VNV Nimble intercepted an enemy flotilla that had crossed into Vysaarian territory. During the engagement, VNV Nimble’s bridge was struck by an enemy shell, and Konstyentyn was wounded with several minor burns and a cut across his abdomen from shrapnel. While the bridge crew took heavy casualties and his immediate superior was unable to continue in command, Konstyentyn took command and led the Nimble to disengage from the larger enemy force. This scare enough for his mother to forcefully recall Konstyentyn to Pylatze Rynakt where he would recover, despite his personal objections. He would officially enter reserve service as a Lt. Commander in May of the same year, serving aboard the older Type 16 Destroyer VNV Thunderer in the Wyndsaari Channel. He decided to refocus on his education, attending the University of Hochenau joining a postgraduate program in Philosphy.
Death of Sofie III #
In 11,919, Queen Sofie III fell unexpectedly ill, plagued by severe fatigue, fainting spells, and a mysterious darkening of her skin. Despite receiving around-the-clock care from Vysaaria’s finest physicians, her condition baffled them, and she continued to decline rapidly. Speculation began to circle the gentry and public of who would succeed her should the worst come to pass. During this time of illness, Queen Sofie III instructed the Prince-Electors to gather and vote on a Prince-Tanist pre-emptively, given her condition. After three months of continued attempts at treatment, the Queen passed in her sleep.
It was during this time that Konstyentyn reaffirmed his wish to not succeed his mother. He instead raised his second cousin Wyllam Klaos as a candidate for the throne, quoting his mild manner and good nature towards others as qualities of a good candidate. Konstyentyn ensured the Electors that he would honor their decision if they elected him but would prefer to stand as an advisor to the next monarch. After a week of discussion at the Pylatze Rynakt, Prince Wyllam was elected and the Prince-Tanist, and would take on the regnal name Wyllam Klaos.
Reign of Wyllam Klaos #
On the Regency Council #
As King Wyllam Klaos was just under a year away from reaching the age of majority, he required a regency council for a short period. Making good on his promise to the Electors, Konstyentyn served on the Regency Council, managing both internal and foreign politics. Following Wyllam reaching his majority, Konstyentyn moved to focus on mainly internal affairs. During this time he was the head of the Royal Household, as well as one if the main advocates for sweeping changes across Vysaaria to bring about equality and better social services for the Kingdom.
Visits to Acherten #
During his time on the Regency Council and serving as an advisor to the King, Konstyentyn took regular trips away from his cousin’s court. His second favorite destination, after his own seat of power in Dygurschaff, was the sovereign Archduchy of Acherten. Since their inception, the two states of Vysaaria and Acherten remained close allies, given a shared struggle against the Empire of Gystgar, paving a path for Konstyentyn to become a close advisor to the King on the matters of Acherten, but also as an envoy of Vysaaria.
For most of his visits, Konstyentyn was a guest of Archduke Rynir II and his family. These visits were fairly public, with state dinners, public outings, and occasionally speeches, with some being less publicized and more out of a personal outing. During these visits, Konstyentyn would typically stay in a residence loaned to him by the Archduke located on the coast. He could be found enjoying the beach, sailing his personal sailboat, and spending time in the quiet of the Acherten countryside.
Return to Naval Service #
In 11,920, Konstyentyn would achieve the rank of Captain in the Vysaarian Navy and return to active service just after the coronation of Wyllam Klaos. While he still retained certain duties as a member of the King’s High Lord Council, he would primarily spend time serving with the Navy as the Commanding Officer of the Dygurschaff-class Heavy Cruiser VNV Steinach. While he saw very little action during this period, he had a personal connection to the Navy and would often speak to it as a personal interest and place of belonging in his life.
Decemberist Movement #
In late November 11,922 Konstyentyn was recalled once again to Pylatze Rynakt. This time it was because King Wyllam Klaos had halted most public appearances and members of both the High Lords, the elected Parliament, and particularly the public had began to lose trust in the young Monarch. In early December, members of Parliament began demanding answers from the King and the Royal Family, with some calling for the King to step aside if he would not fulfill his role. This movement grew publically viable as the King appeared to be a figurehead for a shadow government. Public outcry began to rise, leading to a small movement towards Republicanism known as the Decemberist Movement.
Before he could do much to settle the calm, it was announced that King Wyllam Klaos had signed his own abdication papers and would be stepping down immediately and retiring to a personal estate, as to avoid any violent confrontation. Konstyentyn spoke with his cousin and understood why he had chosen to do so and supported his decision, though knew that the situation would require quick action to settle. Negoations were opened with the Decemberist members of Parliament by Konstyentyn, with the Decemberists stating that if they were to condone another Monarch, they would have to be a far more constitutionally limited Monarch that supported the independence democratic process.
The Decemberists demands would be broadly accepted by Konstyetyn, the High Lords, and condoned by the recently abdicated King Wyllam Klaos, leading to several amendments of the Vysaarian constitution to further limit Royal Perogative and expand the powers of the legislature.
Election as King #
While negotiations were ongoing with the Decemberists, the Prince-Electors had met and elected Konstyentyn as Prince-Tanist despite his objections to the post in the past. Shortly after the conclusion of negotiations and the finalization of Wyllam Klaos’ abdication, the Prince-Electors announced their choice. Konstyentyn would be immediately elevated to the title of King of Vysaaria, assuming the regnal name of Konstyentyn Aleksandar III, despite a lifetime of objecting to becoming King.