Alfonso I

Alfonso I (Alfonso Murcia; 20 March 2620 - 4 May 2661) was King of the Rock and the eldest son of Philip the Great. Succeeding his father to become the second Murcian King of Balancía, Alfonso reigned a relatively short and uneventful six years, in which he had little responsibility for government. The only major event involving Alfonso during his reign was his reluctance to marry and his failed courtship which resulted in an unsteady succession upon his untimely death in 2661. He is remembered for his recklessness in the matter of his own marriage and little more.

Born as the son and heir to Lord Philip Murcia, Alfonso was trained in the politics of the Madrilene Empire. Philip hoped that Alfonso would rule Balancía from the Imperial Court in Madrid, prior to the Balancín War for Independence, which lasted until 2641. When Philip became King, Alfonso was already an adult. He refused to be styled as a Prince, owing to his ongoing role in the academics of the newly established Pembroke University. Alfonso College was named after him and historians report that he felt significantly more satisfaction in his life from the histories than he ever did from his royal roles. Eventually, as Philip's health worsened in the early 2650s, royal duties were thrust upon him, including the title of Prince. Alfonso met and became well acquainted with Lord Juan Pius, a member of his father's court, and their relationship would guide events especially relating to Alfonso's eventual death.

King Philip I died on 1 August 2665. Alfonso was not at court following the death, instead residing at Pembroke University. Lord Pius convened the King's Council to announce the King's death and called on the lords to prepare for the accession of Alfonso. Lord Pius's diary, which was uncovered in 2705, saw passages which suggested that some unnamed members of the King's Council wished to usurp the throne from Alfonso and instead install Philip I's brother, Lord Carlos. Lord Carlos did serve on the King's Council but it is not known whether or not he was present for the accession meeting. Despite this, the council sent word to Alfonso at Pembroke and he rode for Murcia Castle. The council proclaimed Alfonso as the new King before the court.

Upon his accession, Alfonso ruled with a light touch. His father had governed Balancía directly, just as he had done as Lord prior to his coronation. However, Alfonso, preferring to study the histories, delegated much of his responsibility to the King's Council and, specifically, Lord Pius himself. Alfonso signed a royal charter after his coronation in 2665 which created the position of Lord Keeper of the King's Seal. The office grants the holder the authority to speak on the King's behalf and exists to this day. The Lord Seal, akin to the position of Prime Minister, has varied in power depending on the disposition of the reigning monarch. During Alfonso's reign, the Lord Seal was Juan Pius. Lord Pius conducted much of the government of the Kingdom.

In 2656, Lord Pius arranged for a Royal Ball in which ladies of the realm were presented to the King for consideration for marriage. King Alfonso was reluctant to even attend the event. However, succumbing to pressure, he did. Over fifty ladies waited on the King that evening. Despite this, no marriage occurred. Five subsequent balls took place between 2656 and 2658, none of which led to a successful courtship. When Lord Juan Pius was dismissed as Lord Seal and replaced with the King's uncle, Lord Carlos, many speculated that it was because the King became frustrated with Lord Pius's attempts to get King Alfonso to marry his daughter, Lady Hyde Pius. Reports suggest that King Alfonso completely ruled out marrying a Pius and Lady Hyde eventually married Lord Carlos.

In late 2660, after his five-year anniversary on the throne, Alfonso announced his decision to attend a parlay with academics from the University of Madrid. Earlier in the year, Alfonso College had been established and Alfonso was seriously considering taking up role as Master of the University. Lord Carlos, who was Lord Seal at the time, advised that Alfonso not take the journey, which led to him being replaced with Lord Juan Pius. Lord Pius too advised the King not go on the six month expedition. However, he did not press the issue. King Alfonso departed Balancía on 1 December 2660. He spent the following six months in Madrid, where it is believed he was influenced heavily by Emperor Hadrian of the Madrilene Empire. Some feared that, upon his return, King Alfonso would try to push for Balancía's return to the Empire. Whatever the truth of this belief, fate intervened. On the sea journey back to the Doggerlands, a major storm in the Atlantic caused Alfonso's ship to sink. Alfonso's body was never recovered and it is believed that he died while trying to swim to one of the surviving ships in his flotilla.

When news of Alfonso's death reached the court at Murcia Castle, the King's Council was immediately convened by Lord Pius. This time, there was no dispute over the succession. Lord Carlos, King Philip I's younger brother, was immediately proclaimed as King to avoid a contest for the succession. While Carlos's claim would eventually be contested by Alfonso's older sister, Cecilia, this ultimately came to nothing. Carlos succeeded to the throne as King Charles. Alfonso's body was never recovered. However, a memorial to him was constructed at Murcia Castle and stood until its demolition in 2888.

Title and style

20 March 2620 - 2 May 2653: Alfonso Murcia
2 May 2653 - 1 August 2655: His Highness, Prince Alfonso
1 August 2655 - 4 May 2661: His Grace King Alfonso

As King of the Rock, Alfonso went by the simple style:

His Grace King Alfonso, King of the Rock