Crowns of Esha

From the Royal Houses of Amiens, Bristol, and Verdun. Huge inspo by many Tumblr posts, particularly this one, and of course the lovely @warwickroyals and her Warwick Wives series!

Emma of Magnolia, Queen of John III: "The Red Rose of Magnolia", was married at a young age to the victorious John of Amiens, later King John III, who conquered Windenburg in 1290 with the support of her father, the King of Magnolia. Celebrated for her beauty, Emma brought grace and sophistication to the newly established court in Windenburg. She was a deeply devoted wife and accompanied John on many of his military campaigns throughout the kingdom, which was highly unusual for a queen consort. John’s untimely death in 1318 devastated her, and she retired to St. Margaret’s Abbey in Coventry, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Margaret of Glencraig, Queen of John IV: Deeply cherished by the people of Windenburg, Margaret, the orphaned daughter of the Earl of Glencraig, married King John IV in 1320. She was renowned for her kindness and generosity, frequently visiting hospitals and churches across the realm. During her forty-four-year tenure as queen, Windenburg transformed from a lawless, war-torn kingdom into a more unified and stable country. Margaret and John appear to have enjoyed a strong marriage, producing six children who survived infancy.

Isabelle of Blois, Queen of Henry IV: In an effort to repair relations with Magnolia, the future King Henry IV married Isabelle of Blois, the king’s niece, in 1336. A woman driven by religion, Isabelle was extremely pious and allowed holy scripture to guide every aspect of her life. She held her husband in contempt, viewing him as sinful and weak, and devoted herself instead to the strict upbringing of her children, praying they would not inherit his flaws. In her later years, Isabelle distrusted her great-grandson Richard III and actively aided her grandson Edward in rebelling against him.

Anne of Victoria, Queen of Edward V: Decades of hostility between Windenburg and Victoria were brought to an end with the marriage of Anne and Prince Edward in 1363. Anne shared a warm relationship with her husband, Edward V, though she preferred the company of her ladies-in-waiting, particularly the Countess of Huntington. After Edward died in 1392, Anne returned to Victoria to escape the civil wars that erupted during the reign of her grandson, Richard III. She spent her remaining years away from the turmoil that had engulfed Windenburg.

Catherine of Montcroix, Queen of John V: Catherine was the granddaughter of Henry IV and Isabelle of Blois, but also the daughter of the traitor Lionel, Count of Montcroix. Lionel’s Rebellion in the 1370s led to Catherine’s controversial marriage to John, which was hastily arranged as part of a peace settlement. The union was conducted without papal dispensation, and rumors spread that the couple had consummated their marriage months earlier, rumors only intensified by the premature birth of their son, Richard. Initially used as a pawn by her father, Catherine eventually asserted her independence and defended her husband and children against Lionel’s ambitions. Deeply in love with John, she was devastated by his death in 1395. As dowager, she supported her son during the Cousins’ War, rallying troops in Courland and Devonshire. During the Bristol's rule, the dowager queen was given honor and respect, retaining ownership of her dower lands.

Blanche of Magnolia, Queen of Edward VI: During the Cousins’ War, Edward forged a strategic alliance with Magnolia by marrying Blanche, the youngest daughter of the king. Young, lively, and sweet-natured, Blanche’s cheerful demeanor quickly faded as the brutal civil war dragged on. After Edward’s first deposition in 1399, the couple fled to Magnolia, where Blanche gave birth to a son, also named Edward. In 1405, Edward VI was murdered during the Battle of Shrewsbury Bridge as Blanche attempted to flee Windenburg with their child. Her son was later taken prisoner and mysteriously disappeared in 1411. A tragic figure, Blanche ultimately returned to Magnolia, living at the court of her brother, King Philippe IV.

Alix of Vasa, Queen of Richard III: After Richard III was deposed by his uncle Edward VI in 1395, Richard fled in secret to Vasa, where he married Princess Alix, sister of King Eric VII. With Vasian support, Richard reclaimed the throne in 1399 and resumed his reign. Though Richard likely preferred the company of men, his marriage to Alix was affectionate and indulgent, and he spoiled her greatly. Renowned as the most beautiful woman on the continent, Alix inspired countless songs celebrating her grace and charm. During their periods of exile, she sustained Richard’s spirits and prevented him from falling into despair. After Richard’s defeat and death in 1412, Alix returned to Vasa, later remarrying the King of Alland and finding happiness at last.

Beatrice of Aviz, Queen of Alfred II: Taken under the influence of her grandmother-in-law, Isabelle of Blois, Beatrice became deeply devoted to religion and scripture. She encouraged her husband, Alfred, Earl of Winchester, to join Edward’s rebellion, believing the reigning king to be a bastard. After Edward’s death, Beatrice pushed Alfred to claim the throne himself, igniting the fifth civil war. A domineering and forceful woman, she dictated nearly every decision her husband made, becoming the true power behind the throne. In 1412, her three sons were killed in warfare, and Alfred succumbed to his wounds weeks later. Branded “Bloody Beatrice,” she surrendered the throne to the House of Bristol and was banished to Almeria, spending the rest of her life in a convent, haunted by the destruction of her family.

Constance of Agincourt, Mother of Henry V: Constance, the granddaughter of Henry IV and Isabelle of Blois through their daughter Eleanor, Countess of Agincourt, married her distant cousin John, Duke of Bristol, at just fifteen. Ambitious and politically astute, Constance hungered for power and influence, gradually positioning herself at the center of court intrigue. She aligned herself with Catherine of Montcroix and Richard III, living in exile during the Cousins’ War while rallying support for her son Henry as Richard’s heir. As Richard III and Alfred II destroyed one another at the Battle of Ely in 1412, Constance launched an invasion of Windenburg. Following Alfred’s death weeks later, Henry was crowned king. Constance was honored as a dowager queen and became her son’s closest advisor, later guiding her granddaughters Mary I and Matilda I, both of whom deeply cherished her counsel.

Leonora of Argenza, Queen of Henry V: Known as the "Mother of Windenburg", Leonora was among the most beloved queens of the medieval era. Compassionate and tireless, she played a vital role in rebuilding the kingdom after years of devastating civil war. Leonora donated extensively to hospitals, visited wounded veterans, and personally funded the care of orphaned children. Within two years of her queenship, she established fifteen orphanages in Windenburg and financed the construction of Queen’s College, later the University of Axbridge. Her marriage to Henry V was passionate and deeply affectionate. Leonora’s death in childbirth in 1416 shattered Henry, who immortalized her memory through the Leonora Crosses erected across the realm.

Mary I, Queen of Windenburg: The eldest daughter of Henry V and Leonora, Mary became heir to the throne following the death of her brother John in 1416, only a month after her mother’s death. Overcome by grief, Henry never remarried and died in 1417, leaving sixteen-year-old Mary as the first Queen Regnant of Windenburg. That same year, she married Edmund of Middlesex, nephew of Alfred II, to unite rival claims and prevent further rebellion. Though her reign was brief, Mary successfully suppressed the last lingering unrest from the Cousins’ War. Edmund later died, likely of the plague, though rumors claimed Mary poisoned him to secure sole power. She herself died of smallpox in 1429, leaving the crown to her sister Matilda.

Matilda I, Queen of Windenburg: The rebellious, dark-haired beauty eloped with Philippe, Count of Verdun, a wealthy Magnolian noble who controlled one of the largest marches in Magnolia. Philippe, once a ward of Catherine of Montcroix, had his romance with Matilda encouraged by the dowager queen. Mary eventually approved the match and summoned the couple to court, naming Matilda her heir. By the time she ascended the throne, Matilda had already secured the succession with five children. Unlike her sister’s troubled early reign, Matilda’s rule was largely harmonious. She continued rebuilding Windenburg, fortifying major cities including Windenburg, Glencraig, Devonshire, and Coventry. Fondly remembered as Matilda "the Good", she remained beloved by her people.

Mary of Canterbury, Queen of Henry VI: A childhood friend of the royal family, Mary’s marriage to Henry blossomed quickly into a loving union founded on familiarity and affection. As queen, she restored splendor to court life, hosting lavish entertainments and sponsoring the arts. Over time, however, Mary grew resentful of Henry’s numerous mistresses, whom he openly flaunted. She eventually sided with her sons Edmund, John, and George in their rebellion against the king. Mary was imprisoned, and the Canterbury family stripped of their titles. Rumors later spread that Mary and her alleged lover, her brother-in-law Arthur, Duke of Bristol, murdered Henry in 1462. After the king’s death, Mary was freed by her son Edmund, who restored the Canterburys to favor.

Princess Matilda was born on June 17, 1840, to Queen Mary II of Windenburg and her consort, Prince Charles, the 10th Earl of Statford. She was the youngest child of the royal couple. On July 18, she was christened Matilda Georgiana Louise by the Archbishop of Devonshire in the chapel at San Myshuno Palace. Her godparents included her paternal grandmother, Louise, Dowager Countess of Statford, her aunt, Lady Paulina Statford, Queen Caroline of Vasa, King Albert II of Weimar, her uncle, Louis Statford, 1st Earl of Blythe, and Friedrich-Paul, Prince of Isenberg.

As a child, Matilda was lively and full of energy. Her playful nature often led to mischief, especially when she got into trouble with her older siblings. She was curious and bold, frequently exploring parts of the palace that were off-limits. She and her sister Mary spent many afternoons visiting tenants at Statford Castle alongside their grandmother, the Dowager Countess. They also played with children from the nearby village, though Matilda enjoyed the energy of city life more than the quiet of the countryside. In San Myshuno, Matilda and Mary often joined their parents on promenades through public parks. The two sisters were educated at home under strict supervision, following a curriculum shaped by Prince Charles. Matilda was especially talented in music and played the piano for her parents each evening. As the youngest in the family, she had a close relationship with both her mother and father and was doted on by all her siblings.

The death of her father in 1847 marked a turning point in Matilda’s life. The once warm and cheerful household became quiet and heavy with grief. The royal family withdrew to Glencraig Castle, where the Queen mourned in isolation. At only seven years old, Matilda became an emotional support to her mother, who leaned on her youngest child for comfort. Matilda never had the chance to fully process her own grief, as she carried the weight of her mother’s sadness. For the rest of her childhood, she and Mary lived in relative seclusion at Glencraig, a place that gradually came to feel more like a prison than a home. Around 1855, the Queen resumed public life and returned to San Myshuno. Mary and Matilda began attending informal court events, usually escorted by their grandmother, the Dowager Countess. The sisters enjoyed concerts, operas, and occasional flirtations with young courtiers. In 1856, Matilda entered into a brief romance with James Lyons, Viscount of Wembley, who became her frequent companion at royal gatherings. Though the pair were deeply fond of each other, their relationship was abruptly ended by Matilda’s grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Rochester, who disapproved of the match. James was offered a position at the Royal Naval Academy and was soon deployed overseas.

In the following years, Matilda and Mary remained close to their widowed mother and frequently accompanied her on official duties. Matilda became increasingly lonely after Mary married Crown Prince Friedrich of Wardenburg in 1860. Mary tried to arrange a marriage between Matilda and one of her brothers-in-law, Prince Adalbert or Prince Ludwig, but neither courtship progressed. The Queen and Matilda’s older sisters also attempted to find a suitable match for her, but as the years passed, they began to lose hope. Matilda received offers from several foreign princes, including Prince Heinrich of Weimar and Prince George of Saxe-Luneburg, but none led to an engagement. Then in 1861, Prince Johann of Vernick (@housekonig) visited Windenburg during a hunting trip hosted by Admiral Louis Statford, Earl of Blythe. Upon learning that Johann was staying with her brother-in-law, the Queen quickly arranged for him to meet Matilda at Glencraig Castle. Matilda found Johann charming and well-mannered, and after his return to Vernick, the two began corresponding regularly. Around the same time, Matilda was also being courted by Hans-Alexander, Hereditary Prince of Salem, whose proposal she declined after meeting Johann.

Following months of correspondence, Prince Johann’s parents permitted him to marry Matilda, with whom he confessed to being deeply in love. He immediately traveled to Windenburg to formally ask Queen Mary for Matilda’s hand in marriage. The couple wed in August 1861 in the Royal Chapel at Chandler’s Keep. Prince Johann’s mother, Queen Beatrice, wrote of the marriage: “I fear that my son's affection for her [Matilda] far surpasses her fondness for him, which I dare say might still suffice to establish a perfectly adequate marriage for a gentleman of his limited capacity for sustained attention.”

The night before their wedding, Prince Johann was created the Duke of Glenne, and the couple was granted a formal apartment at Vernick Palace as well as a less formal residence, Fredrickson Palace, which Matilda found most comforting.

Despite their shared love of the outdoors, sports, and music, Matilda found the rigid life at court in Vernick exhausting, as she preferred the simpler, less structured court life in Windenburg. With its strict system dictating her daily routine, Matilda often felt isolated and excluded by the women at court. She spent most of her time, when permitted, at Glenne Park, a townhouse Johann built for the couple as part of his wedding gift. This gift also included jewels, court dresses, and specifically her mother’s Windenburg Fringe Tiara, which Matilda wore on her wedding day and throughout her service to the royal family.

Matilda and Johann had a relatively happy marriage compared to many of their peers and produced two children: Princess Juliana-Mary, born September 12, 1863, and Princess Wilhelmenia, born June 14, 1864. Both girls would go on to spend most of their time with their father and domineering grandmother, Queen Beatrice, who was more than happy to step in where Matilda did not. Having been stifled by her own mother, Matilda projected her childhood and young-adult longing for freedom and space onto her daughters, creating issues with her husband and mother-in-law, both of whom believed in hands-on parenting. It wasn’t until her daughters' young-adulthood that Matilda began to mend her relationship with them, ultimately becoming much closer and playing a major role in her grandchildren’s lives.

In 1912, while returning to Vernick, Johann was one of the casualties aboard the Titanic, passing away at the age of 75. Matilda survived her husband by 12 years and, by the end of her life, had become a beloved member of the Vernick royal family. She served as a patron to more than 15 organizations and as a mentor to her nephews and their wives. She was remembered as a cornerstone of the modern Vernick dynasty.

Matilda and Johann had two daughters:

Princess Juliana-Mary, Duchess of Glenne (1863-1934), married to Antoine Baptiste-Hébert, Earl of Glennshire, had two daughters

Princess Wilhelmina, Duchess of Windbush (1864-1937), married to Prince Maximilian Hohenlohe-Brauneck, had one son

1852 saw the engagements of two granddaughters of the late Tsar Alexey Grigoryevich in rapid succession.

Jekaterina Jurjewna had been considered as a bride for Prince Lambert of K........ when he met the young Princess Dorothea by I........ and insisted he would marry "her or no-one". His cousin Prince Leopold was thus sent to sort things out with Jekaterina's family, and soon proposed marriage to her himself. The two of them were considered the only happy marriage among the royal family of K........, within which they took a central position as eminence grisée especially after the ascension of Leopold's nephew Heinrich at just 21.