House Hjarta
The House Hjarta is a noble house originating from western Ardoragh. They are known for their palatial home, one of the largest in the world, and for their contributions to the preservation of nature across the Empire.
Origins
The Marriage of Grand Duchess Freya and Prince Amantis:
During the middle of the Fourth Era, Emperor Alexander Viromaro tried to improve the Empire's relations with the then Six Provinces, specifically Ardoragh. This prompted him to construct a lavish hunting lodge, Skaði Palace, deep in the Ardoraghi forests. It was here where Crown Prince Amantis and later Prince Louis were born. Both youths grew up in Helmira, but when they turned seventeen were sent back to Ardoragh to study at the University of Ardoria. Here Amantis met Lady Freya Hjarta. The House Hjarta, though of noble blood, had served as Knights under the Dukes of Kreonix and were among the poorest noble families in the Empire. The two fell deeply in love, and soon married. Emperor Alexander jumped at the opportunity to show how lower Ardoraghi and the highest nobility can become whole in the Empire, and ensured that the grand wedding was celebrated with unparalleled opulence. The festivities began in Helmira, the Empire's capital, and spread to all the provinces, including Ardoria and Solleria. Citizens from all corners of the Empire flocked to witness the love story of Freya and Amantis. Freya captured the hearts of the peasants with her grace and beauty. The ceremony itself took place inside the ruins of the White-Gold Tower's throne room and was blessed by the Arch Bishop of Helmira. The couple's love story quickly became a beloved tale across the Empire.
Honeymoon and the Creation of Fjarthrond Palace:
Their honeymoon was spend in Imperia as guests of House Von Dragestein, and later in the Duchy of Lotric on the insistence of Louis, who was good friends with the Thomas Mace Duke of Lotric.
They decided to settle in western Ardoragh, and Amantis used his access as Crown Prince to the Viromaro fortune to fund the construction of Fjarthrond Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world.
But their love extended beyond the palace's grandeur. Freya and Amantis dedicated themselves to the preservation of nature across the Empire and improving the living conditions of the Ardoraghi peasants. Amantis, with access to the Viromaro fortune, initiated various projects aimed at the welfare of the common people. Their joint efforts made them beloved figures, not only among the nobility but also among the common folk.
The Tragic End of Amantis:
However, their love story, admired throughout the Empire, was tragically cut short. When his father, Emperor Alexander suddenly died in a hunting accident in an Ardoraghi forest he was forced to rush to Helmira in order to be crowned the new Kythiran emperor. He rushed to the harbor of Kreonix, but with a massive storm gathering only an Alcanzari slaver ship was willing to risk the journey east towards Helmira. In the Dodehavet Sea the ship broke apart, sinking within a minute and taking with it all hands on deck. After the Chaos of the Coronation, prince Louis, Amantis' younger brother, was crowned emperor. Upon learning of the news of her husband's death, Freya threw herself from the tallest tower of Fjarthrond Palace.