Shai Mindulor

Shai Mindulor was a duchess of Xol, and the first wife of Melanthios I. He married her to quell the rising sentiment that the royal family cared more for its new territories than the six original kingdoms of the empire. She was greatly admired by the court, and adept at politics, often advising her husband on matters concerning the nobility. Shai was also a great supporter of intellectual pursuits, founding universities that remain influential to this day.

She and Melanthios were not in love, and never produced a child, but they did share a deep friendship. They balanced each other, with Shai frequently being the voice of peace to her husband's more militaristic approach. She was also one of the few who could make the grim high king laugh, which often shocked nobles who had only known him to be a quiet, serious man.