Queen Belesa 'the Beautiful' De Julio of Lesaboca

Tragedy marks the start of Belesa’s life, a tragedy which would undeniably have a profound impact upon her life. Her mother Isabella De Julio was considered one of the fairest ladies in all the land, however she would die in childbirth to Belesa. This sent shockwaves across Lesaboca as their beloved Queen had died, but more importantly it hardened King Max De Julio IV of Lesaboca heart to love and he blamed Belesa for his beloved wife's death.  

King Max De Julio IV, speaking about his wifes passing- “And now… all the love that I had for this world has been ripped away from me”

  Because of her mothers death Belesa was often neglected by her father through her childhood as he preferred working on state projects than tending to his daughter. Therefore Belesa was practically raised by a maid called Maya Dinura, Belesa holds a deep respect for Maya even to this day as she views her as a parental figure (because of this Maya now has her own chamber in the palace and still visits Belesa regularly). The lack of her fathers involvement within her life was a miscalculation on Max’s behalf as it left Belesa exposed to influences which did not align with Max’s vision. Lord Marco Viegas is one of these figures, he is 13 years older than the queen and obsessed with heightening his own power. From a young age he has manipulated her to turn against her father often exploiting the feelings of neglect, this has granted him high status within Lesabocan politics now as Belesa fully trusts him and can not see past his web of lies.   Belesa’s hobbies growing up consisted of writing and dancing, she wrote many poems as a child often about love and nature which she still has a passion for. She would study history, developing a good understanding about the history of the Gafaarian Empire, Aldarr, Bocamar and the League of Free Cities.   As Belesa matured her beauty became unquestionable and by the age of 16 many lords had already asked for her hand in marriage earning her the title 'the beautiful'. Her unmatched looks as often supported her as it is said that men's minds go blank when talking to her. Some even say her eyes have something enchanted about them leading to rumours (which are of course untrue) that she uses magic to enhance her looks.   In 205 AG everything would change for Belesa, the nobles of the realm would come to Belesa (who was just age 19) and state she must take over leadership from her father, she was initially hesitant fearing she was not ready for the role however Lord Viegas would use all his cunning and managed to persuade her it was best for her and the people of Lesaboca. The coup would go well for Belesa and no blood was shed, Viegas strongly believed that her father should be killed in order to remove him as a threat, however Belesa would not carry out such an act and deemed that an exile was more fitting. A week later she would be coordinated as Queen of Lesaboca. Due to the work of her diligent father the realm was prospering which she used to solidify the narrative that she was a competent monarch to the people. In reality her administrative skills were lacking and would rely upon the help of noble families such as House Pestana to run the city. Diplomatically however she was a lot more competent, by 206 AG she had reached an agreement with Doge Leonor of Paloampo solidifying an alliance and trade partnership between the states. This greatly supported her approval and sent a message to the Lord of the Region that she may be willing to restore the league.   Currently her key objectives are to continue to retain the prosperity that Lesaboca is experiencing, assert Lesaboca as a power in the region, reconsolidate the League of Free Cities and shape her image as a great Queen. Although Belesa’s intentions are pure, she is somewhat naive as she can not see the manipulation she has been under from Lord Vagias whilst she believes her father will never attempt to retake his throne. Only time will tell what will come of Queen Belesa, perhaps as she ages and grows wiser she will become a great monarch or perhaps she will succumb to the influence of the nobles and become a mere puppet.