Rhys Michael Haldane

Rhys Michael Haldane of Gwynedd is a fictional character in the Deryni series of historical fantasy novels by Katherine Kurtz.

Rhys Michael Alister Haldane is the fifteenth King of Gwynedd. He is the tenth member of the House of Haldane to serve as king, and the fourth consecutive Haldane king following the end of the Festillic Interregnum.

Although Michael is not a previously-established royal name within the character's family history, his other two names honor close friends of his parents. His forename is shared by Lord Rhys Thuryn, the Deryni Healer who serves as physician to the royal family. Similarly, he bears the name Alister in honor of his father's closest friend, Bishop Alister Cullen. Due the presence of the elder Rhys at court, the Haldane prince is referred to by his first two names, Rhys Michael, though his family occasionally uses the more familiar and affectionate Rhysem.

Rhys Michael's primary goal is to secure the independence of his family's throne from the lords of state who control it. In addition, he also seeks to ensure the safety of his family and protect the legacy of Haldane magic for his descendants.

During the early years of his life, Rhys Michael's most significant conflict revolves around fraternal arguments with his elder brother, King Javan. However, following Javan's death, Rhys Michael spends the next several years in a dangerous struggle with the lords of state who control the government. Toward the end of his reign, he also comes into conflict with Prince Miklós von Furstan of Torenth and the Festillic Pretender, Prince Marek I Furstán-Festil.

Rhys Michael's most significant moment of realization comes with his accession to the throne. Despite repeated warnings from his brother Javan about the danger posed by the lords of state, Rhys Michael continually dismisses his brother's concerns. It is only after the nobles assassinate Javan and establish Rhys Michael as a puppet king that he truly realizes the danger he faces. With his innocence shattered, Rhys Michael changes from a charming, carefree prince with a tendency to drink too much into a mature and sober monarch who is all too aware of the grave risks he faces every day.

...
Wikipedia