EMPEROR NAMES NEW KING OF LYSACIEN Under an Imperial Decree issued in 1754 it was made law that all the Kingdoms that form the Heptarchy must have a King and that this King must be approved of by the Emperor. Throughout the centuries that have followed succession down bloodlines descended from Emperor Geoffrey Archambault I have ruled each Kingdom with only rare instances taking place where direct father-eldest son succession has not taken place. In the 1810's the crown of Cyrain was ordered to pass to the deceased King's 2nd son as the 1st was deemed a "fool" by the first Emperor. In 1833 the crown of Céladonia passed to the then King's brother as he had no sons and only daughters. It has though become tradition that should only daughters exist in the direct bloodline she may rule as Queen for 12 months if unmarried, during that time she may take a husband with Imperial approval and he shall become King, if no husband is found within that 12 months then the Emperor may order a marriage which if not accepted will see the King select a new candidate. These traditions may seem strange to outsiders but have held the Empire peacefully together since 1751. However for the past six months the Kingdom of Lysacien has been without a monarch. In that time the Emperors half brother, Ghyslain Lyon, has held the Kingdom as Regent. Today however the Emperor has issued a decree that his eldest son, Renaud will be crowned King following the death of King Phillipe III of Lysacien at the age of 31 from a car accident. He had two daughters, aged 6 and 3.
Renaud was born in 1990 and his mother is the Emperors first consort, Her Highness Éloïse Roy a Princess of Montverde. Renaud currently serves as 2nd in Command aboard an Imperial Navy Destroyer and will be leaving the service in order to take control of the KIngdom. The Emperor explained his decision to the people of Lysacien saying. "You're previous Kings were not prudent enough to ensure a strong royal bloodline existed. As such I have no choice but to effectively transplant a new bloodline into your Kingdom. Rest assured your new King, Renaud I, will uphold and maintain the traditions of your Kingdom. Lysacien is a vital part of the Empire and I value its friendship and loyalty everyday. Renaud is a good man who will tie you ever closer to the Imperial throne, you will find the connection directly to me invaluable and he brings royal blood from Montverde too ensuring a sacred bond to Veridas that is indisputable. His first task though will be simple, ensure that King Phillipe's widow and children are provided for and cared for. While Phillipe may not have ensured the long term stability of his bloodline he was a man who loved his people, the Empire and his family and for that he will forever have my respect. Renaud will also be tasked with ensuring the Kingdom thrives, Phillipe, had made a start in making use of Lysacien's coastal resources and beauty a vital economic force and that will continue. I predict Renaud will do great things here."
The newly named King Renaud will be formally crowned on New Years Eve in a ceremony in Lysacien. The 33 year old is married to 27 year old Sylvia Krouse, the daughter of a noble from the Imperial Provience. She will become Queen Sylvia. The two have been married for seven years and have two children who will now assume the titles of Prince. Prince Timothee is six years old and Julian is four. The new King has yet to address his new Kingdom but has stated, "It is as big an honour as I can ever receive to help guide the people of Lysacien on behalf of Veridas. I shall do my best to ensure each and everyone of my new subjects are able to reach paradise and I am grateful my father trusted me with this task. I have, as a Naval Officer, spent much time here and always found Lysacien to be a wonderful part of the Empire. I am sad to leave the Imperial Navy behind after 10 years of service but other duties call and I wish everyone there well."