Grendine

Duchess Grendine of Castal is in her late thirties, blonde and striking rather than beautiful, with large almost-mannish hands but a grace that suggests both dancer and swordmaster. Daughter of the former Duke of Alshar and older sister of the current Duke Lenguin, she was married to Rard IV in a political union that he sought out of love. She is the unofficial Counselor of State and Master of Secrets — widely considered the sharpest mind in the Ducal council, devouring dispatches before even the Prime Minister receives them. She recruits Minalan into her patronage network after he demonstrates his power, and her backing protects him from Hartarian's Censorate during the most critical negotiations.

Duchess Grendine becomes Queen of Castalshar alongside her husband Rard I at the Coronet Council. Her political maneuvering continues unabated in the new royal court — she remains the informal power behind the throne and continues operating her intelligence network through her court 'Family.' Her relationship with Minalan is complicated: she is a useful patron who can protect him from enemies at court, but her agenda is always dynastic and she requires reciprocal services. At Barrowbell after the Battle of Cambrian she is present in the royal entourage, still the sharpest political mind in any room she occupies.