Characters Among the Burning Flowers Samantha Shannon

Aubrecht Lievelyn: The Red Prince of Mentendon

Overview

Aubrecht Lievelyn, known as the Red Prince, is the heir apparent to the Free State of Mentendon in Samantha Shannon’s Among the Burning Flowers. Born in CE 971 to Paltar Lievelyn and Fralet Dabanon utt Brudstath, he is the eldest of four children, with sisters Ermuna, Bedona, and Betriese. Though his granduncle, Leovart I, holds the title of High Prince after the devastating Brygstad Terror, Aubrecht is the de facto political force of his generation, positioned to guide his nation through a time of looming draconic threat. His story is one of duty, resilience, and the weight of a crown he may never wear.

For an overview of the book, see the main book page.

Plot Role

Aubrecht occupies a central political role as the betrothed of Marosa Vetalda, the donmata of Yscalin. This alliance, formalised in CE 998, links two of the most powerful kingdoms in Virtudom. While the timeline records no direct battles or quests for Aubrecht, his position as heir suggests he is deeply involved in diplomatic strategy and military preparation. The narrative likely follows his attempts to navigate the treacherous court politics of Mentendon and Yscalin, all while the ancient evil of the Dreadmount stirs once more. His decisions ripple through the alliances that define the era.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Aubrecht’s primary motivation, as implied by his actions and the context of the story, is to usher in a better world—one that can withstand the return of the Nameless One. He is pragmatic, understanding that marriage to Marosa is as much a political necessity as a personal bond. His resilience is forged by loss: both of his parents died before he reached adulthood. His father, Paltar, succumbed to the sweating sickness during the Brygstad Terror of CE 993, and his mother, Fralet, died shortly after giving birth to the twins in CE 985. Despite these tragedies, Aubrecht remained the steady heir, likely taking on increased responsibilities as his granduncle Leovart assumed the throne.

His trait of determination is evident in the simple fact of his survival. The Brygstad Terror wiped out many members of the House of Lievelyn, including High Prince Edvart II and his daughter Lesken. Aubrecht, then twenty-two, became one of the few remaining direct heirs. Rather than grasping for power, he allowed Leovart to persuade the Council of State to take the throne—a selfless act that speaks to his sense of duty over ambition.

Chronological Arc

The timeline of Aubrecht’s life, as recorded in the book, is marked by gradual ascension and loss:

  • CE 971: Born to Paltar and Fralet in Mentendon.
  • CE 976: Sister Ermuna born.
  • CE 985: Twin sisters Bedona and Betriese born; mother dies soon after.
  • CE 993: The Brygstad Terror kills his father and many relatives; Leovart becomes High Prince.
  • CE 998: Formally betrothed to Marosa Vetalda.
  • CE 1000: Attends the millennium celebration of Berethnet rule in Ascalon.
  • CE 1003: The story begins in spring; Aubrecht is thirty-two years old.

This arc shows a man who transitions from a prince in a secure line to a survivor who must rebuild his family’s legacy while preparing for a cataclysmic war.

Relationships

  • Marosa Vetalda: Aubrecht’s betrothed, the sole daughter of Sigoso III of Yscalin. Their union is political, but the text suggests they may share a genuine bond. Marosa’s confinement in the Palace of Salvation since age sixteen indicates she is guarded and perhaps isolated, making Aubrecht’s role as her future partner significant. He likely serves as a bridge between her world and the wider politics of Virtudom.

  • Leovart I (the Grey Prince): His paternal granduncle and the current High Prince. Leovart took the throne after the Brygstad Terror, and Aubrecht accepted this decision. Their relationship may be that of mentor and pupil, with Leovart guiding Aubrecht in statecraft while Aubrecht prepares for the eventual succession.

  • Ermuna, Bedona, and Betriese: His younger sisters. As the eldest and only brother, Aubrecht likely feels a strong protective duty toward them. After the death of both parents, he becomes the stable figure in their lives.

  • Sigoso III: The King of Yscalin and his future father-in-law. This relationship carries tension due to Sigoso’s reputation as “the Pious” and his harsh treatment of bastards and political enemies. Aubrecht must navigate this alliance carefully.

Key Decisions and Consequences

  1. Accepting the Betrothal to Marosa – This decision cements an alliance between Mentendon and Yscalin, strengthening Virtudom against external threats. The consequence is a deeper entanglement with the volatile Vetalda court, including Sigoso’s suspicions and the mystery surrounding Queen Sahar’s death.

  2. Supporting Leovart’s Ascension – After the Brygstad Terror, Aubrecht could have pressed his own claim. By stepping aside, he preserved stability in Mentendon but delayed his own rule. This decision shows his prioritisation of country over personal ambition.

  3. Preparing for the Draconic Threat – Though the timeline does not detail specific military orders, Aubrecht’s betrothal and diplomatic activities implicitly aim to unite human forces against the Dreadmount. The Second Great Eruption in CE 509 spawned the High Westerns, and Fýredel remains a living threat. Aubrecht’s choices likely involve strengthening defenses and forging alliances.

Theme/Symbol Connections

  • Human Resilience – Aubrecht embodies this theme through his survival of the Brygstad Terror and his steady rise as a leader. His endurance mirrors that of Mentendon itself, a nation that survived invasion and plague.

  • Destruction and Beauty – The title “Red Prince” evokes both fire and passion. Aubrecht’s world is one where political maneuvering thrives alongside the threat of annihilation. The burning flowers of the title could symbolise a world that must be sacrificed for rebirth, and Aubrecht stands at the centre of that paradox.

  • Imprisonment and Liberation – Aubrecht is bound by duty—to his family, his betrothal, and his country. He is not physically imprisoned like Marosa, but his freedom is constrained by expectation. The theme of liberation may manifest in his choices to act for the greater good.

  • Duty and Sacrifice – Every major decision Aubrecht makes involves sacrifice. He gives up the chance to become High Prince immediately, accepts a political marriage, and dedicates his life to preparing for a war that may consume everything.

  • Ancient Evil Awakening – The Nameless One and his draconic army are the ultimate antagonists. Aubrecht’s entire political strategy is likely shaped by the need to unite Virtudom before Fýredel returns. This theme provides the underlying urgency for his actions.

For a deeper discussion of these ideas, see the themes page and the ending explained.

Book-Specific Questions and Answers

1. Why is Aubrecht called the Red Prince? The text does not explicitly state the origin of this epithet. It may refer to his hair colour, his fiery temperament, or his association with blood and battle. The nickname distinguishes him from his granduncle Leovart, the Grey Prince, and suggests a bold, perhaps passionate nature. (Interpretation based on contrast and title symbolism.)

2. Did Aubrecht want to become High Prince after the Brygstad Terror? The timeline records that Leovart “persuaded the Council of State that he ought to be the one to take on the burden.” This implies Aubrecht did not actively seek the throne. His willingness to let Leovart rule indicates a commitment to stability rather than personal power.

3. How does Aubrecht’s betrothal affect his relationship with Marosa? The betrothal is a political arrangement, but it also places Aubrecht in a position of trust with a young woman who has rarely left the Palace of Salvation. He may be one of the few people from outside her immediate circle who interacts with her as an equal partner. The narrative likely explores whether their bond grows beyond politics.

4. What is Aubrecht’s role in the coming draconic conflict? While the timeline does not show him fighting warriors, as the heir to Mentendon it is reasonable to infer that he is involved in military planning and diplomatic efforts to unite the kingdoms. His alliance with Yscalin through Marosa is a direct response to the ancient evil awakening.

5. How does Aubrecht reconcile his personal desires with his duty? The evidence suggests he prioritises duty. He accepted the betrothal, allowed Leovart to rule, and likely suppressed any personal ambitions for the sake of his country. The novel may show moments where he grapples with this tension, but his actions consistently reflect sacrifice over self‑interest.

For more discussion, visit the questions and answers page.

Conclusion

Aubrecht Lievelyn is a character defined by the interplay of loss, responsibility, and hope. As the Red Prince, he carries the legacy of a nearly destroyed house and the burden of preparing for an apocalyptic war. His strength lies not in swordplay but in steady diplomacy and the quiet weight of his choices. In Among the Burning Flowers, he stands as a testament to human resilience—a ruler in all but name, striving to build a world that will not burn.