Markahlihnni

Markahlihnni Alban Arka is a major character in the Tales of Meropolis series, anti-hero of his own novella, and Meropolis's current king, succeeding Ordsval after a hostile takeover. He rules alongside his wife and mate, Crystalline Fallirus, and they have two daughters together as well as a son. He is also capable of becoming a Leviathan.

Having ruled since the middle age of 4E 754, Markahlihnni has accrued intelligence and character but is known at times to be stern or unpredictable. His half-brother and father give him advice when he needs it, and he does the same for them. The three also have roles in the leadership and alliances area of the Meropolan Royal Council: according to many other Royals and rulers, their influence is crucial in order to make the correct decisions.

Appearance
Markahlihnni and Crystalline first appear as semi-murky projections cast by Merlin in front of Quinn and the others. Due to Merlin's waning magic, not many of his features are visible. However, Quinn is able to point out Markahlihnni's one-sided facepaint, and his projection emanates somewhat vicious energy.

When he's seen in full form, Markahlihnni has grey hair like Karali's and a slightly similar hairstyle. His scale color is a slightly paler shade of blue with a darker gradient at the bottom.

Early Life
Markahlihnni was born during the last few centuries of 4E to Merlin and an unknown Mer female on a coastline by Ire. His memories of his childhood have faded a bit since then, but it's known and therefore assumed he was born near Ire to Merlin and an unknown female. His brother Malencheine would be born a few years afterwards, and the two would practice sparring and generally get along.

At some point in time, Markahlihnni killed King Ordsval and became King through hostile takeover, and married his daughter to join the royal family. Some years after, his wife grew fond of him and had two children together before later adopting a third.

Before the main events of the story, their eldest daughter went missing, and was soon followed by the queen and Markahlihnni, leaving Karali to lead the war efforts by herself.

Trivia

 * Markahlihnni was born on land, likely near Ire, hence the reason he can breathe on land and speak English in a slight Irian accent.