Rya of Erebosia

Rya of Erebosia is a POV protagonist in the third and fourth installments of the Princess and the Guardian series. She is the oldest daughter of Lord Tomos Erebose and Lady Ysobella Sansonett, sister to Nadya of Erebosia, and wife of Marek Davennor.

Background
Rya was born and raised in a small castle in Western Erebosia. She was the firstborn child of Tomos Erebose, Lord of Erebosia, and his wife, Ysobella. She was the last of four sisters, who each led very sheltered lives on the castle grounds, as House Erebose struggled to remain on its feet during Magnos's War and its aftermath.

Upon turning fourteen, Rya gained permission to travel throughout Erebose. Oftentimes, she was met by noblemen and their sons who were taken by her beauty. She soon earned the reputation of being the most beautiful young woman in Western Kyrasha. With interest in her rising, her father decided to hold a banquet at their castle in honor of her reaching courting age.

With time, Rya's repute catches the attention of King Zivon Davennor, who invites her to the Summer Banquet held in the Kyrashan Citadel each year. There, Zivon introduces Rya to his son, Marek, who immediately (and reluctantly) charms her. Rya fantasizes of life as Queen of Kyrasha, fancying the idea of holding such divine influence over her kingdom. With her blessing, Lord Erebose and King Zivon begin discussing wedding preparations.

Book II
Upon being betrothed to Marek Davennor, Rya is greeted at her castle by an escort of 1,000 men, come to take her to her new home at the Kyrashan Citadel. At the head of the escort is none other than Luxley Cyrtal, Prince Marek's advisor and half-brother. Rya arrives at the Citadel in the midst of a winter storm. Prince Marek is wholly welcoming to Rya, offering her warmth and admitting she is the most beautiful woman he's ever met in an attempt to win her trust.

Her and Marek Davennor's wedding creates the crowd needed for Andria of Aramore's squadron to rescue Prince Benedict from the Citadel dungeons. Despite the imminent danger around her, Rya is inspired by the sight of the Armored Queen.

Book III
For months, Rya lives under her domineering husband and his family. She is often housed in the highest tower of the Citadel, where she performs her secretive duties as Regal Concubine to various noblemen of Kyrasha. Prince Marek provides her no support, continuously exploiting her body for his and others' needs.

Role
Rya is a POV protagonist in the second, third, and fourth installments of The Princess and the Guardian. In this amount of time, we see her transform from a naive girl who dreams of marrying a prince, to a miserable young woman hardened by her experiences being belittled by an aggressive patriarchy.

Her first entries demonstrate a spirited youth who is hopeful for the future. The heartbreak and massive betrayal that ensues after she marries Marek Davennor marks the beginning of her transformation: she becomes hopeless, lonely, and depressed. Only after a second heartbreak, with Luxley, does she adopt a spirit that is vengeful, angry, and in control.

Her journey is centered around the cultural fetishization of young girls. Rya was told as a child that if she acted like a lady, she would be respected by men. This proves incorrect when, by the age she becomes a literal "lady," her only value becomes defined by her sexuality rather than her humanity. Any amount of generosity, intelligence, or goodheartedness is forgotten in lieu of her sexual worth. As she grows in age and in wisdom, she finds subtle ways of not only rebelling against the Davennors but claiming her worth to her kingdom as a Queen -- a leader, a mother, an advisor, and overall someone intelligent enough to properly handle the financial expenses, relationships, and weight of ruling a kingdom.

Appearance
Rya has long, wavy dark hair, light blue eyes, full lips, round cheeks, a slender nose, and a curvy figure. Once she becomes a citizen of the Kyrashan Citadel, she begins wearing expensive cottons, silks, and furs, along with golden jewelry. Furthermore, her dark brown hair gradually darkens as she ages. (However, A Throne Avenged cites her hair often shining brown when met by the sun.)

Personality
Rya enters the Citadel as a softspoken girl but leaves as an empowered Queen. Regardless, she is not difficult to manipulate.

She is considered by many to be the most beautiful woman of all of Kyrasha. Rya believes this to be one of the most absurd claims she has ever heard. Upon her coronation, she nevertheless takes this claim as a compliment. After time, she begins to get sick of it.