Willem Darvos Rex Lord Alexandros

Willem Darvos Rex Lord Alexandros, officially known as Willem II, was the Emperor of Auresia from 27 February 7493 until his death 31 years later on 18 January 7525. His youngest son, Emshandar III, succeeded him to the Golden Lion Throne. He was the sixty-third Dynast Sovereign of Auresia and a member of the VI Dynasty.

Biography

Early Life and Reign

Willem Darvos Rex Alexandros was born on 3 January 7454 at Veneziano Palace in Cedelphia, Auresian Empire. He was a soft-spoken man who built a reputation as a firm and steady leader. Willem respected the advice of his ministers and proconsuls, using their skills and strengths to the Empire's advantage whenever possible. He was a driving force behind the formation of the Alliance during the Pan-Anarian War (PAW).

Pan-Anarian War (PAW)

During Willem's reign, the Pan-Anarian War ignited and ravaged the continent for the next half-century. His closure of the Hattaro Straits to Helreich oil ships was one of the initial sparks that led to full-scale war. Although wary of losing Anat Tahan Tahani oil, Willem sided with his ministers, believing that even if the Empire lost access to the oil, the Helreich would suffer similarly. Despite lamenting the devastation of the PAW, Willem never denied his role in underestimating the Helreich's capabilities. He remained determined to overcome any opposition to the Empire.

Domestic Leadership During the War

Domestically, Willem maintained his responsibilities as leader throughout the war. He regularly visited troops, hospitals, strongholds, factories, and mills, supporting both the war effort and the morale of his people. Willem and his wife were welcome sights during these visits, boosting morale during tense times.

Assassination Attempt

During a visit in the second decade of the war, Willem was the target of an assassination attempt by a partisan who managed to get close enough to fire several shots. Though Willem was unharmed, two members of the Tentenal Legion were hit, and one was killed while shielding the Emperor. The partisan was quickly killed by Tentenal Guard as he tried to flee.

Private Life

Emperor Willem was married to Empress Marona from 11 March 7473 until her death in 7522 at the age of 69. Their 49-year marriage produced four children and was characterized by deep love and affection. After Marona's death, Willem focused on leading the war effort and raising his grandchildren. Known for his grandfatherly charm and warmth, he remained professional in official matters, preferring to establish trust through open dialogue.

Final Days

Approximately three days before his death, Willem suffered a stroke that left him with limited mobility. His eldest child, Princess Imperial Zarona, was deeply affected by seeing her father in such a vulnerable state. In her memoirs, she vividly described the dignity Willem maintained even in his final moments. Willem died in the early morning hours, reportedly saying, "Oh... look at that... the sun is coming up" as his last words. Following his wishes, his remains were laid in state in Veneziano Palace's Celestial Basilica for two days, with national mourning kept to personal remembrances. Willem believed that "saving the Empire is far more important than mourning me."

Awards and Decorations

Civilian:

Magister Botanica - Professor of Botanical Sciences, Grand Collegium Scarlet Letter
Veneratio Scientia - Salutatorian, Veneratio Scientia

Military:

Armilla Imperiosus
Order of the Knight's Cross
Phalera I, II, IV (1x Phalera I, 1x Phalera II, 2x Phalera IV)
Imperial Star II
Master Marksman Badge
Weapons Master's Badge
Ten Year Service Badge

Trivia

Willem's oil paintings, created throughout his life, are displayed in several museums across Auresia. Over a forty-year period, he painted around 150 works, with the entire collection valued at over 2,500,000 florins.
He continued the tradition of the Imperial Blues, a unique proconsul's uniform featuring a blue tunic and black trousers with blood-red stripes. This military uniform has become the trademark outfit of Dynast Emperors and is worn frequently, especially during military functions when the Dynast Emperor acts as the Supreme Command Authority.