The Secret Ancestry of Theodore

This thread pieces together the separated histories that establish Theodore's bloodline and explain his claim to Otranto.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Alfonso's Departure

Alfonso's Departure A Prince at Sea Alfonso sets out for the Holy Land, but a storm drives him to Sicily while the vessel carrying Ricardo is separated from him. The unexpected stop alters the line of succession. A Hidden Marriage In Sicily Alfonso marries Victoria and leaves her pregnant before continuing his journey. He intends to acknowledge the marriage after returning, keeping the union secret in the meantime.

Ricardo's Usurpation

Ricardo's Usurpation A False Inheritance After Alfonso is believed dead, a fictitious will makes Ricardo his heir. Manfred eventually admits that Ricardo poisoned Alfonso and seized the principality. A Crime Inherited The false transfer allows Ricardo's descendants to rule Otranto for generations. The concealed crime gives supernatural judgment a historical cause and makes Manfred's present anxiety more than simple ambition.

A Daughter's Hidden Line

A Daughter's Hidden Line Birth in Absence Victoria gives birth to a daughter while Alfonso is away. The report of his death leaves her without secure standing or protection against the succession made in his name. A Line Preserved The daughter grows to adulthood and marries Jerome. Her descent from Alfonso survives outside the political account maintained by Manfred's family.

The Child Carried Away

The Child Carried Away Separation from Home Theodore is carried to Algeria with his mother after corsairs seize them from the Sicilian coast. His mother dies in captivity, leaving him a written account of his parentage. Identity Kept in Writing The document names Jerome as his father, but Theodore grows up without access to his family or inheritance. The paper preserves a truth that political power has no reason to reveal.

The Bloodline Restored

The Bloodline Restored Two Histories Meet Jerome explains Theodore's maternal descent from Alfonso after the apparition names the youth as heir. The private family account and supernatural verdict now reinforce one another. Legitimate Succession Manfred accepts Theodore's right and relinquishes Otranto. A line hidden by marriage, captivity, and false history is restored to the principality.

during the Crusades

after Alfonso's reported death

after Alfonso's secret marriage

when Theodore is five

after the final apparition