Esterlend
Symbolism
The kingdom is represented by the Peacock crest, though its ancestral meaning was kept secret from Penelope.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is one of somber somberness and rigid tradition. It is a place where the weight of ancestral secrets and family pride is heavy, yet often withheld from those deemed 'unwanted.'
Description
A smaller kingdom characterized by its volatile nature and disputed borderlands. The environment is described as compressed and dark, particularly in contrast to the bright and airy atmosphere of its neighbor, Sethlend. It is a land where ancient traditions and stringent laws govern the ruling line.
Social Hierarchy
The hierarchy is strictly patriarchal, governed by ancient laws that forbid females from inheriting the throne. Noble and royal women are treated as prizes for political agreements and land trades, expected to be subservient and focused on frivolous pastimes.
Intimacy And Safety
For Penelope, Esterlend was a place of trauma, imprisonment, and devaluation. It offered no safety for women, who were viewed as bargaining chips rather than individuals with rights to the throne.
Political Alignment
The Esterlend ruling line, led by a foreboding and ruthless Emperor.
Strategic Importance
Esterlend's strategic value lay in its trade routes and borderlands, which were the catalyst for a two-year war. Following its unconditional surrender, the kingdom became a source of political bargaining chips, most notably Princess Penelope.
Timeline
Outbreak of War
Esterlend initiates a war against Sethlend over disputed borderlands and trade routes.
Unconditional Surrender
Following the death of Crown Prince Marcus and the crippling of its military, Esterlend surrenders unconditionally to Sethlend.
The Westen Transaction
Esterlend gives a 'piece of property' to Prince Malik of Westen, which is later reclaimed through force.
Explore more
The chronological sequence of events surrounding the political marriage of Prince Adam of Sethlend and Princess Penelope of Esterlend.
The Wedding Day
The chronological sequence of events surrounding the political marriage of Prince Adam of Sethlend and Princess Penelope of Esterlend.
Timelines
An ancient symbol of the Sethlend royal family, originating from a legend about the unification of the kingdom after the Great Dark.
Phoenix crest
An ancient symbol of the Sethlend royal family, originating from a legend about the unification of the kingdom after the Great Dark.
Key Objects
Adam
Second Prince of Sethlend and military commander who enters a politically motivated marriage with the sister of his fallen opponent.
Characters