Well there's more Austria to come.
Chapter 3: The Fighter, The Kinslayer and a Cuckold
Successful against the Pagans Friedrich consolidated the Territory of Austria, taking control of both the remaining pagan held provinces in Illyria along with returning to Bavaria to reclaim several provinces in Tyrol. Eventually the warrior king was wounded in Battle and later died and the Throne of Austria passed to his Son Berhard, a quick minded but otherwise unremarkable ruler who spent the majority of his reign wrestling for control of the realm with his three brothers.
A mixture of Bohemian domination of Pannonia, Ruthenian Domination of Eastern Europe and Lombardy's re-conversion to catholicism Berhard's reign was quiet if uneventful as a whole. Berhard would use this peace to re institute elective succession in Austria, Further the Capital of Wien and invest in converting the Pagans of Croatia.
However the Annonian Brothers became notorious for Kinslaying and Bernhard was no exception. Each made a claim to parts of the Kingdom upon Friedrich's death and Bernhard the Eldest resented the loss of his rightful lands. Some suspect the King had other motivations however. Meanwhile the Almohad caliphate had entered southern France and shattered the Karling hold over western europe. Many officials within the faith began searching for something, anything that could reverse the fortunes of the catholic church and rescue it from the moors in the west.
Berhard however had other concerns and soon grew less and less interested in running the realm, and many accounts suggest he spent more and more time with his mistress on long retreats in the Austrian countryside.
With Bernhard gone for months at a time one of his sons, the Zealous Bernhard Junior fell into running the realm. While not the Eldest son, Junior quickly became respected in the court becoming unofficial regent. Seeing this Bernhard named the son that carried his name as the Heir and arranged a marriage with a cousin in hopes their offspring could bring greatness to Austria.
Shortly after King Bernhard fell ill and eventually passed in his sleep. Leaving Bernhard II King of Austria, King of the Croats.
Bernhard's reign was one of Change the Young lord was driven as if mysome unnattural force to Modernize Austria and make it not only a petty roman successor but a Powerbase that his dynasty could expand and dominate all of Europe.
The Young king first set upon returning the Jews to Austria, their technological expertise would be required to expand the realm. With the Jews back new taxations laws were put into place, Osterreich was the site of a large development campaign designed to bring wealth and prestige to Austria.
As the Young King grew older he set about expanding the borders of the Realm. The duchy of pest was seized along with more Bavarian land and loyal Austrians were appointed to take the place of the local nobility. The King's word became law and his advice became respected across Europe, who knew him as Bernhard the Wise
With respect came Loyalty. the Oppressed German nobility across Francia and Burgundy flocked to Austria for protection from the Karling and French Kingdoms of the West. Bernard merely asked for Loyalty to House Anniona and they would be rewarded.
Amidst this all Princess Gertrude grew up. Sought by lords from across Europe, Gertrude was quick of mind and fair as any maid in Europe at the time, With her came the inheritance of all Bernhard built. A Kingdom and a Queen that the heavens themselves would weep for. Bernhard promised the Lord who could impress him the most would receive her hand in Holy Matrimony.
Sadly this was not to be, Gertrude fell under the sway under her own brother the duke of Slovenia and was stolen away under cover of night on one fateful evening. The Hunt lasted for Months, until Gertude returned to Wien in the dead of night, clutching a newborn bearing deformities of her sin.
This game hurts me so much.
The Child died within weeks, unable to survive such a curse from god. The King was beside himself and was often seen pacing the walls of Wien. His sons returned and called a feast for the return of Gertrude. When Bernhard's sons presented a boar they had skewered the King is said to have turned red as a hot coal and then fainted.
Worried for their lord, the Lords of Austria addressed the King in a letter praying for his recovery, begging for his return to court. Bitter, the King refused, and grew increasingly paranoid, Suspecting even his own wife of betrayal.
It just screws you when you think your at your strongest
Bernhard made peace with himself and returned to court, though he was different, disillusioned. When the spymaster returned with his findings he brought his wife before the court and demanded a confession. While furious Bernhard would not become what he despised, he allowed his wife to leave, and even remain in the keep, though it pained him greatly. Later that day in court the King had an outburst and forever more retreated into the Depths of his castle.
But it only makes me love it more
Bernhard would grow old as a broken and defeated man, He built a Kingdom that rivaled Charlemagnes own but could not stop his own family from betraying him at every turn.
Meanwhile other events were conspiring to change the face of the world, Forever.