The Hierarchy of Nobility: Greater vs. Lesser Houses

In the intricate web of nobility, not all houses are created equal. The distinction between greater and lesser houses reflects the hierarchy within aristocratic society.

Greater houses are the most influential, often wielding vast political, economic, and military power. Their histories are marked by royal connections, expansive estates, and pivotal roles in shaping the realm’s destiny. In contrast, lesser houses play more localized yet essential roles, often serving as vassals to their greater counterparts or excelling in specialized fields like governance, trade, or military service.

Both contribute to the noble tapestry of the realm, their relationships often interwoven through alliances, rivalries, and ambition. These distinctions add depth to the nobility’s dynamics, shaping the stories of both the powerful and the aspiring.

Henfordshire

House of Kensington (The Noble House of Kensington: Earls of Henford)

The Kensington family is deeply rooted in Finchwick and holds significant influence over Henfordshire’s noble circles. Known for its complex family dynamics, the House of Kensington exemplifies both legacy and intrigue, with ties to tradition and moments of scandal shaping its history.

• Earl Jacob “Jake” Kensington Formerly Jacob Cameron, Jake assumed the Kensington name upon marrying Claire. He inherited the noble title Earl of Henford from Claire’s father, George. Though born into a dynasty of celebrated musicians and actors, Jacob’s honorary lordship and noble stewardship now anchor the family’s influence across Henfordshire. His informal name, Jake, remains a nod to his artistic roots.
• Countess Claire Kensington The beloved daughter and sole heir of Countess Beth Kensington, Claire holds the title Countess of Britchester. Her centuries-deep lineage and command of the Britchester estate make her the ceremonial and emotional center of Kensington legacy.
• Viscount Edward Kensington (Elder Twin) Styled as Viscount Bagley, Edward is the elder son of Jacob and Claire. His courtesy title reflects the family’s enduring connection to Henford-on-Bagley, and positions him as heir apparent to his father’s earldom. With a name steeped in English nobility, Edward embodies tradition, gravitas, and ceremonial clarity.
• Viscount Everett Kensington (Younger Twin) Styled as Viscount Finchwick, Everett represents the poetic and architectural soul of the Kensington line. His courtesy title ties him to the Britchester legacy, and marks him as heir apparent to his mother’s countess title. Everett’s lyrical presence complements Edward’s regal bearing, forming a twin dynamic of tradition and reinvention.
• Baron William “Liam” Hawthorne Raised at the Royal Cromwell Stables by Roland Hawthorne, the royal stablemaster, Liam grew up steeped in loyalty, humility, and the rhythm of hoofbeats. At seventeen, he learned he was the illegitimate son of Earl George Kensington. Though briefly styled Lord Kensington, Liam renounced the title, gifted the Henford estate to Claire, and returned to the stables. With King Maximilian’s blessing, he was granted the title Baron and founded House Hawthorne—a noble line born not of blood, but of choice. He insists on being called Liam, honoring the name given by the man who raised him.
• Earl George Kensington (deceased) A revered leader and intellectual force, George’s legacy was complicated by the revelation of Liam’s birth. His title passed to Jacob, but his shadow lingers in the family’s mythic and emotional architecture.
• Beth Kensington (deceased) The Countess of Britchester by lineage, Beth’s grace and quiet strength shaped the Kensington legacy. Her marriage to George was marked by both devotion and difficulty, but her influence endures through Claire and the Britchester estate.

House of Montfort-Yates (The Noble House of Montfort-Yates: Admiralty of Henfordshire)

A prominent house known for its military service and royal connections, the Montfort-Yates family commands respect through steadfast discipline, loyalty to the Crown, and influence spanning multiple kingdoms.

• Admiral Lord John Montfort-Yates: Admiral of the Fleet and the oldest friend and trusted confidant of King Maximilian, John holds a unique place in both the royal court and the navy. His first marriage to Lady Charlene Ashford ended in scandal and heartbreak after her treacherous involvement in the abduction of the then–16-year-old Princess Victoria Cromwell of Henfordshire. Charlene was imprisoned for her crimes and later died in captivity under tragic circumstances.
  Their only child, Henry, bore the weight of his mother’s betrayal deeply. Raised solely by John, Henry grew up in the shadow of scandal but under the steady hand of a father whose loyalty to the crown never wavered. John, a devoted royalist and principled leader, instilled in his son the values of honor, discipline, and quiet resilience. Their bond—forged through grief, duty, and unwavering love—remains one of the most enduring legacies of House Montfort-Yates.
  Through his second marriage to Baroness Clara von Hohenstein, John rebuilt his family with grace and dignity. His military career continues to command respect across kingdoms, and his role as grandfather to the soon-to-be-born John Henry Montfort-Yates marks a new chapter in a legacy defined not by scandal, but by strength.

• Baroness Clara Montfort-Yates: John’s second and current wife, widowed Baroness von Hohenstein, Clara entered the Montfort-Yates family in her and John’s later years, bringing with her the wisdom of experience and three grown children from her first marriage—including Queen Helena von Ahrensberg of Windenburg and Princess Emma Gyllenborg of Nordhaven. Though she and John were too old to have children together, Clara became a loving and stabilizing presence in the life of his then-teenage son, Henry, following the scandal and heartbreak of Charlene Ashford’s imprisonment.
  Now 26, Henry reflects the quiet strength and values Clara helped nurture—grace, discipline, and emotional resilience. Her role as stepmother was never symbolic; it was formative. Clara remains a steady matriarch across kingdoms, bridging the nobility of two realms and anchoring the Montfort-Yates legacy in compassion, dignity, and chosen family.

• Lord Henry Montfort-Yates (Age: 26) The only son of John Montfort-Yates and Charlene Ashford, Henry bears the title of Lord, stepping into his role as heir and steward of the Montfort-Yates legacy. Raised under the guiding hand of his stepmother, Baroness Clara, Henry grew into a disciplined and principled young man, embodying the ideals of service, tradition, and quiet strength. His early aspirations toward a naval career have since evolved into a deeper commitment to estate stewardship and dynastic continuity.
  Now married to Lady Léontine (née Beaumont), Henry resides at the Montfort-Yates family estate in Henfordshire, where the couple is expecting their first child—a son to be named John Henry Montfort-Yates, in honor of Henry’s father. With John still living, the name becomes a living tribute, a gesture of gratitude and legacy passed from father to son. Thoughtful, reserved, and quietly devoted, Henry anchors the next chapter of the Montfort-Yates lineage with grace, resolve, and a deepening sense of purpose.

• Lady Léontine Montfort-Yates (née Beaumont, Age: 24) No longer the introspective teenager of Roseward’s halls, Léontine has stepped gracefully into her role as the wife of The Honorable Henry Montfort-Yates. Now residing at the Montfort-Yates family estate in Henfordshire, she brings her artistic talents and refined eye for historical curation to the restoration of the estate itself. Her warmth and wit remain undiminished, now tempered by quiet confidence and a deepening sense of purpose.
  Pregnant with her and Henry’s first child—a son to be named John Henry Montfort-Yates, in honor of Henry’s late father—Léontine carries the next generation of Montfort-Yates legacy with quiet joy. Her bond with her brother Luc and her enduring friendship with Genevieve continue to reflect House Beaumont’s devotion to blended legacy, emotional continuity, and chosen family. Whether curating ancestral archives or preparing for motherhood, Léontine embodies the grace and resilience of two noble houses woven into one future.

House of Ashford (The Noble House of Ashford: Viscounts of Britchester)

House Ashford

• Formerly: Viscounts of Britchester
• Seat: Revoked (Ashford Estate); now Ashmere Hall, Britchester — Kingdom of Henfordshire
• Status: Title reinstated by royal decree in the 21st year of King Maximilian’s reign
• Restored Line: Viscount Laurence Nathaniel Ashford & Viscountess Juliette Ashford (née Douglas)
• Motto: Veritas Flammae Inscripta — Truth, Written in Flame

Once a pillar of Henfordshire’s aristocracy, House Ashford fell into ruin under Devon Ashford, whose scandals and neglect led to the revocation of the family’s titles. His wife, Lady Evangeline, died by suicide; his tenure as Viscount of Britchester was marked by infidelity, financial collapse, and a callous disregard for duty. Devon’s disgrace became public, and the Crown stripped him of all titles. He now lives in exile, his whereabouts unknown.

His sisters, Charlene and Eugenia Ashford, deepened the family’s fall. Charlene’s involvement in the attempted assassination of Princess Royale Victoria Cromwell led to her death in captivity. Eugenia, stripped of her titles and exiled, later pardoned, remains a bitter chapter in royal history. Her daughter, Lady Eloise DeMercier, now lives in Willow Creek, where she has earned quiet respect despite the shadow of her lineage.

And yet, from this broken line, a single branch has bloomed.

• Viscount Laurence Nathaniel Ashford
  A quiet novelist and the son of disgraced Devon Ashford, Laurence grew up far from privilege. His writing—marked by emotional clarity and quiet strength—caught the attention of King Maximilian and Princess Victoria DeWinter (née Cromwell). In a rare gesture of grace, his title was reinstated and Ashmere Hall gifted to him as a wedding present. Laurence now anchors House Ashford’s rebirth with humility, literary depth, and a devotion to truth over grandeur.
• Viscountess Juliette Ashford (née Douglas)
  Raised in a middle-class family in San Sequoia, Juliette met Laurence through a housing mishap while transferring to Britchester University. Offered refuge by Baroness Clara Montfort-Yates, she moved into a rowhouse beside Laurence, and what began in silence grew into a love built on books, long walks, and mutual healing. Now Viscountess of Ashmere Hall, Juliette brings warmth, wit, and quiet dignity to the restored Ashford legacy.
• Lady Maxine Evangeline Ashford
  Named in quiet homage to King Maximilian and her late grandmother, Lady Maxine is the first child of Laurence and Juliette. Just a toddler, she’s known for her solemn gaze and uncanny calm—often found curled beside her father’s writing desk or toddling through the rose gardens of Ashmere Hall. The household speaks of her as an old soul, gentle and observant, with a quiet magic that softens even the estate’s darkest corners.
• Lord Percival Laurence Ashford
  Percival sports a name chosen to honor both literary valor and ancestral strength. Already mythologized in family whispers, he is expected to carry the Ashford name with quiet courage and emotional clarity. His nursery, tucked beside the library, is filled with heirloom toys, hand-bound books, and a cradle carved by Laurence himself.

House of Chamberlain (The Noble House of Chamberlain: Stewards of Finchwick)

A noble house of enduring honor, the Chamberlains stand as stewards of Finchwick, embodying resilience and dignity despite their checkered history. Known for their steadfast commitment to urban development and governance, the Chamberlains have quietly rebuilt their reputation after scandals that once tested their resolve. Today, they represent a model of principled leadership, generational renewal, and quiet grace.

• Lord Reginald Chamberlain The patriarch of House Chamberlain, Reginald is admired for his leadership and dedication to public service in Finchwick. Under his stewardship, the family estate remained a bastion of order and tradition for decades. Now retired from active governance, Reginald has relocated to Willow Creek with his wife and younger son, choosing proximity to family over prestige. His legacy endures through his sons—one stewarding the estate, the other anchoring the family’s emotional rhythm.

• Lady Eugenia Chamberlain (née Ashford) Once a Viscountess of Britchester, Eugenia’s life was irrevocably altered by her crimes against the royal family. Incarcerated for her role in the attempted assassination of Princess Victoria Cromwell, she later became instrumental in the princess’s rescue—an act that led to her early release and eventual pardon. Years later, Princess Victoria herself, now married to a Duke and living abroad, formally lifted Eugenia’s exile, allowing her to return to Henfordshire as a wife, mother, and quietly redeemed noblewoman.
  Now residing in Willow Creek to be near her eldest child—born of her late husband Prince Leopold Cromwell—Eugenia lives a life of quiet dignity. Her devotion to her sons and her enduring love for Reginald have reshaped her legacy—not as a cautionary tale, but as a testament to healing, loyalty, and the power of chosen family.

• The Honorable Arthur Chamberlain (Age: 28) The eldest son of House Chamberlain, Arthur is a composed and intelligent young man with a strong sense of duty. Now stewarding the Henfordshire estate, he oversees its modernization while preserving its historical character. Thoughtful and deliberate, Arthur anchors the Chamberlain legacy with integrity and vision. His recent engagement to a noblewoman of Windenburg signals a new chapter—one rooted in diplomacy, tradition, and quiet strength.

• The Honorable Thomas Chamberlain (Age: 26) The spirited and charismatic younger son, Thomas now resides near his parents in Willow Creek, choosing emotional proximity without sacrificing independence. Known for his wit, warmth, and diplomatic flair, he serves as a cultural liaison between Henfordshire and Willow Creek, often assisting with philanthropic events and noble outreach. His bond with Eugenia is especially strong—marked by forgiveness, humor, and a shared love of ensemble storytelling. While Arthur anchors the family legacy in Henfordshire, Thomas brings it to life in new circles, blending tradition with charm and forging quiet influence across kingdoms.

House of Hawthorne to Cavendell Chase

• Established: By royal decree in the 25th year of King Maximilian’s reign
• Seat: Cavendell Chase Estate, Henfordshire Highlands
• Motto: “Steady in Heart, Swift in Grace”
• Founder: Baron Liam Hawthorne
• Matriarch: Princess Vivienne Grace Hawthorne, née Cromwell
• Heir: Lord Rory Jack Hawthorne, Baron of Cavendell Chase-in-Waiting

Born not of dynastic ambition but of quiet strength and earned devotion, House Hawthorne was established to honor the legacy of Baron Liam Hawthorne and Princess Vivienne Grace Hawthorne, whose union defied expectation and redefined nobility. Rooted in the rolling hills of Henfordshire, Cavendell Chase is more than an estate—it is a sanctuary of horses, hearth, and heritage, where legacy is not inherited, but cultivated.

• Baron William “Liam” Hawthorne (Raised at the Royal Cromwell Stables by Roland Hawthorne, the royal stablemaster, Liam grew up steeped in loyalty, humility, and the rhythm of hoofbeats. His mother’s secret involvement in a failed rebellion against the Crown—and her death during the attempt—left Roland heartbroken but devoted, raising Liam with love and a deep reverence for the royal family. At seventeen, Liam learned he was not Roland’s biological son, but the product of a violent act committed by Earl George Kensington. Though devastated, Liam honored Roland’s wish and stepped into nobility as Lord Kensington. He never bonded with the Earl, and only his half-sister Claire offered kindness. After a failed engagement to Lady Maeve Cameron, Liam renounced his title, gifted the Kensington estate to Claire, and returned to the stables to care for Roland. It was there that his friendship with Princess Vivienne deepened into love. Their unplanned pregnancy became a turning point, not a scandal. With King Maximilian’s blessing, Liam was granted the title of Baron and founded House Hawthorne—a noble line born not of blood, but of choice. He insists on being called Liam, honoring the name given by the man who raised him.

• Princess Vivienne Grace Hawthorne (née Cromwell) The daughter of Queen Aria-Grace Cromwell and Jack Kershaw, Vivienne was formally acknowledged by King Maximilian and granted the title of Princess, though excluded from the line of succession. Raised within the royal household, she became a beloved figure known for her equestrian mastery and emotional depth. Her bond with Liam—himself marked by displacement and quiet rebellion—led her away from ceremonial life and into a legacy of her own making. As matriarch of Cavendell Chase, Vivienne curates the estate’s archives, trains horses, and hosts seasonal riding festivals. Her favorite mare, Argenta, remains a symbol of her grace and grit.

• Lord Rory Jack “RJ” Hawthorne (Age: 6) Styled as Baron of Cavendell Chase-in-Waiting, RJ is the only child of Liam and Vivienne. At six, he’s already known across Henfordshire for his uncanny bond with horses—especially Bran, a shaggy Fell pony who follows him like a shadow, and Argenta, his mother’s silver dapple mare, who allows only RJ to braid her mane with wildflowers. RJ’s magic lies not just in his horsemanship, but in his ability to straddle legacy with ease. He is deeply close to all three of his grandfathers:
  • Roland Hawthorne, the stablemaster who raised Liam with love and loyalty, treats RJ as both grandson and apprentice. Their bond is quiet and sacred—built on shared oats, saddle oil, and stories told in the hayloft.
  • King Maximilian, though not RJ’s biological grandfather, embraces him with ceremonial warmth and genuine affection. RJ calls him “Grandpa Max” and often sits beside him during seasonal festivals, asking questions about royal horses and ancient crests with wide-eyed curiosity.
  • Jack Kershaw, Vivienne’s biological father, brings a different rhythm—earthy, practical, and emotionally grounded. RJ adores his woodworking and often helps him carve small horse figurines, each named and placed on the nursery shelf like sacred relics.
    RJ moves between these men with effortless grace, absorbing their values without confusion—loyalty from Roland, legacy from Maximilian, and emotional truth from Jack. He is a child of blended worlds, and his presence at Cavendell Chase is not just heirship—it’s healing.

House Hawthorne of Cavendell Chase stands as a testament to humility, loyalty, and earned legacy. It is a noble line not born of blood, but of choice—and its crest, a white horse beneath an oak branch, reflects the quiet power of those who ride with heart.

Tartosa

House of Auditore

With roots tracing back to the Middle Ages, the Auditore family has long been known for their dual expertise in winemaking and banking. However, the once-flourishing dynasty faced decline after the death of Ezio Auditore’s father. Scattered across distant lands, the family’s various branches grew independent, leaving Villa Auditore—once the heart of their legacy—in a state of disrepair.

Ezio Auditore (senior) and his wife, Emilee, sacrificed their established life in Copperdale to breathe new life into the estate. Over long nights of hard work, and with the occasional assistance of Emilee’s parents, Rhys and Samantha Cameron, the couple painstakingly restored Villa Auditore to its former glory. Their dedication revived the family’s reputation, blending traditional practices with modern techniques to establish a high standard of excellence in their vineyard operations.

Upon the marriage of their son, Niccolò, to Princess Francesca Rinaldi of Tartosa, the revived Villa Auditore was gifted to the couple as a wedding present, symbolizing both the family’s resilience and their continued legacy. For a time, the young couple made the villa their home, raising their children among the vines and traditions that shaped generations.

After the death of King Gaetano Rinaldi, Francesca’s brother Frederico ascended the throne and gifted the couple one of the Rinaldi coastal estates—a renovated castle by the sea, nestled near Tartosa’s sunlit beaches. It became their sanctuary, far from the shadows of their late father’s rule. Both Francesca and Frederico had grown up under Gaetano’s stern hand, and the experience fused them in quiet defiance. They vowed to build something different: joyful families rooted in love, not fear.

• Princess Francesca Auditore (née Rinaldi) Age 32. As the Princess Royale of Tartosa, Francesca brought royal prestige to the Auditores through her marriage to Niccolò. Her refined elegance and managerial skills make her a vital part of the family’s continued success. Now residing in the Rinaldi coastal estate, she balances royal duty with maternal devotion. Currently pregnant with her fourth child, Francesca continues to embody the family’s dream of building a joyful, enduring legacy.

• Conte Niccolò Auditore Age 32. Combining his inherited entrepreneurial mindset with his royal connections, Niccolò has successfully positioned the Auditore name as a hallmark of tradition and innovation. Under his leadership, the family’s influence has expanded across Tartosa’s cultural and economic landscape. His devotion to Francesca and their children anchors the dynasty in warmth and renewal.

• Ezio Giovanni Auditore Age 13. Styled as Viscount Portovino, Ezio Jr. represents the family’s future. With a sharp mind and a keen sense of responsibility, he is being groomed for a future in diplomacy and estate management. His quiet charm and natural leadership already echo the legacy he’s destined to inherit.

• Luca Sebastiano Auditore Age 11. Luca is a budding apprentice in the vineyard. He works alongside his grandparents at Villa Auditore, learning the craft of winemaking with curiosity and joy. His bond with the land and its traditions marks him as a future steward of the family’s agricultural legacy.

• Emilia Maria Auditore Age 9. Named in honor of her paternal grandmother, Emilia is a spirited child with captivating dark eyes and her mother’s grace. She brings softness and laughter to the family’s rhythm and is already showing signs of the elegance and intuition that define the women of House Auditore.

• Ezio Auditore (senior) A visionary and dedicated patriarch, Ezio Sr. sacrificed a comfortable life to restore the family’s heritage. His efforts laid the foundation for the family’s renewed prosperity, proving that resilience and dedication can overcome even the steepest challenges. As a grandfather, he remains actively involved—mentoring Luca in the vineyard and supporting his son and daughter-in-law’s dream of a thriving, joyful household.

• Emilee Auditore (née Cameron) A steady and devoted presence, Emilee’s hard work alongside her husband played a crucial role in reviving Villa Auditore. Her commitment to family and tradition continues to inspire future generations of Auditores. As a grandmother, she is hands-on and nurturing, helping wherever she can and ensuring that Francesca’s growing family is surrounded by love, laughter, and legacy.

Windenburg

House von Hohenstein

• Title: Patrons of Windenburg
• Seat: Montfort House, Windenburg
• Motto: “In Service, Strength”
• Status: Newly ennobled for philanthropic distinction; elevated through royal marriage and public service
• Legacy: Education, healthcare, diplomacy, and cultural preservation

The House of von Hohenstein, though newly ennobled, has become one of Windenburg’s most respected families—celebrated not for ancient lineage, but for earned legacy. Their rise was born of philanthropy, not conquest, and their influence continues to grow through quiet service and royal connection. As the family of Queen Helena von Ahrensberg, they now stand at the ceremonial heart of Windenburg’s monarchy, yet remain distinct from its oldest houses.

Baron Heinrich von Hohenstein (deceased)

The patriarch whose philanthropic work in education and cultural preservation earned the family its noble status. His legacy lives on in the foundations he built and the children he raised—each a steward of service and compassion.

Baroness Clara Montfort-Yates (formerly von Hohenstein)

The matriarch of the von Hohenstein family, Clara managed their charitable foundations with grace and precision. Following her remarriage to Lord Admiral John Montfort-Yates, she now resides between Montfort House and the royal court, continuing her work in diplomacy and cultural outreach. As the mother of Queen Helena, Princess Emma, and Baron Theo, Clara holds a place of honor in both noble and royal spheres, often serving as a quiet advisor behind the scenes.

Baron Theodor “Theo” von Hohenstein

The eldest son and heir, Theo oversees the family estate and its philanthropic ventures. A skilled diplomat, he represents Windenburg in international forums and maintains strong ties with both the royal family and foreign courts. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind, Theo anchors the von Hohenstein legacy with quiet strength. He is married to Lady Melanie von Hohenstein, and together they are raising their teenage son:

• The Honorable Thomas von Hohenstein (Age: 15): Thoughtful and observant, Thomas is beginning to take part in family diplomacy and charitable work. He’s often seen shadowing his father at events, learning the rhythms of noble service with quiet curiosity.

Her Majesty Queen Helena von Ahrensberg (née von Hohenstein)

Now Queen Consort of Windenburg, Helena embodies the von Hohenstein values on an international stage. Admired for her intelligence, compassion, and dedication to modernizing royal philanthropy, she bridges tradition and progress with grace. Her marriage to King Alexander von Ahrensberg has elevated the family’s standing, but Helena remains grounded in her upbringing—favoring education reform, healthcare access, and cross-kingdom collaboration.

She and King Alexander are parents to four children, each raised with a blend of royal tradition and von Hohenstein humility:

• His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sebastian “Basti” von Ahrensberg (Age: 13)
• Her Royal Highness Princess Johanna “Hanni” von Ahrensberg (Age: 11)
• His Royal Highness Prince Leopold “Poldi” von Ahrensberg (Age: 8)
• Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth von Ahrensberg (Age: 5)

Each child carries a name steeped in legacy—honoring both royal and von Hohenstein ancestors—and is being raised with a strong emphasis on service, empathy, and ceremonial grace.

Her Royal Highness Princess Emma Gyllenborg of Nordhaven (née von Hohenstein)

A physician by training and beloved public figure, Emma now serves as Princess of Nordhaven and Duchess of Silverfjæll through her marriage to Prince Magnus Gyllenborg. She continues her work in pediatric healthcare and garden design, blending Windenburg’s legacy of service with Nordhaven’s natural rhythms. Emma is known for her grace, intelligence, and modern approach to royal life. Her daughter, Princess Theresia Clara “Tessa”, is named in honor of her grandmother, Baroness Clara.

Willow Creek

House of DeMercier

A noble family of French heritage, the DeMerciers have risen to prominence through artistry, philanthropy, and wine craftsmanship. While their influence spans across realms, their recent elevation and entrepreneurial foundations keep them within the ranks of the lesser houses.

• Chevalier Phillipe DeMercier: Oversees the family’s wine trade and philanthropic ventures. Through his marriage to Lady Eloise DeMercier (née Cromwell), daughter of the late Prince Leopold Cromwell of Henfordshire, Phillipe has strengthened the DeMercier family’s prominence across realms.
• Lady Eloise DeMercier (née Cromwell): Eloise, formerly a princess by birth as the daughter of Prince Leopold Cromwell and Viscountess Eugenia Chamberlain (née Ashford), retains her noble title as “Lady” upon her marriage to Phillipe. Now dedicated to philanthropy, Eloise has seamlessly integrated into the DeMercier family while preserving her own legacy.
• Lady Dominique DeMercier: A captivating presence in Willow Creek society, Dominique dedicates herself to philanthropy and furthering the family’s cultural legacy, bringing charm and vision to the house’s endeavors.
• Master Louis DeMercier: At just 8 years old, Louis is the lively and curious son of Alexandre and Eloise. With his inquisitive mind and boundless energy, he’s already showing signs of inheriting his parents’ creativity and determination. Though young, Louis is often seen accompanying his parents at cultural events, earning admiration for his precocious charm. The family’s hope for the future, Louis represents the DeMercier legacy’s next generation.

House of Beaumont

The Noble House of Beaumont: Stewards of Roseward Estate, Willow Creek

An established and respected noble line of Willowen heritage, the House of Beaumont is known for its quiet influence, intellectual depth, and enduring commitment to cultural stewardship. Rooted in tradition yet open-hearted in practice, the family’s legacy is defined not by grandeur, but by grace, emotional realism, and generational continuity.

• His Lordship Charles Beaumont, Comte de Brissac: Head of the house and steward of Roseward Estate, Charles is a nobleman of warmth, integrity, and quiet strength. Known for his inclusive leadership and deep respect for legacy, he governs with a gentle hand and a keen mind. His marriage to Princess Genevieve has brought renewed vitality to the estate and strengthened ties between Willow Creek and the royal houses of Tartosa and Henfordshire.

• Her Ladyship Princess Genevieve Beaumont, Comtesse de Brissac: Born Princess Genevieve Cromwell of Henfordshire, formerly Queen Consort of Tartosa, and mother to His Majesty King Frederico I, Genevieve now serves as matriarch of the Beaumont household. Her life bridges royal duty and personal renewal, and she is revered for her grace, emotional intelligence, and contributions to cultural preservation. At Roseward, she curates salons, supports local artisans, and cultivates a vineyard that blends Tartosan technique with Henfordian soul.

• Lord Lucien “Luc” Beaumont (Age: 28): Heir to Roseward Estate and son of Charles Beaumont, Luc is a reserved and perceptive young nobleman. Raised with reverence for tradition and emotional nuance, he is being groomed to inherit the estate and represent the family in broader noble circles. His interests include architectural restoration, diplomacy, and cultural curation.

• Lady Léontine Montfort-Yates (née Beaumont, Age: 24) No longer the introspective teenager of Roseward’s halls, Léontine has stepped gracefully into her role as the wife of The Honorable Henry Montfort-Yates. Now residing at the Montfort-Yates family estate in Henfordshire, she brings her artistic talents and refined eye for historical curation to the restoration of the estate itself. Her warmth and wit remain undiminished, now tempered by quiet confidence and a deepening sense of purpose. Pregnant with her and Henry’s first child—a son to be named John Henry Montfort-Yates, in honor of Henry’s late father—Léontine carries the next generation of Montfort-Yates legacy with quiet joy. Her bond with her brother Luc and her enduring friendship with Genevieve continue to reflect House Beaumont’s devotion to blended legacy, emotional continuity, and chosen family. Whether curating ancestral archives or preparing for motherhood, Léontine embodies the grace and resilience of two noble houses woven into one future.