Stjepan Trpmirovic gave birth to two sons; Petar Kresimir and Castimir. Castimir died in 1038 at the age of 16, but not before his son Stjepan was born. Petar inherited the throne after his father died in 1058. In 1064 his wife dies during child birth but not before giving birth to his daughter Neda. As the years piled on Petar relized the need to have a son before his time on earth was done…
January 5, 1067
Zadar, Kingdom of Croatia
Petar had only been married to Kyriakia for one day but he was already forced back to his work. That was why he was King he supposed. Kyriakia was a beautiful woman, she had the biggest most perfect...uh…eyes. Her nose may have been uncommonly large but there was no changing that. He could look past that. She spoke no Croat only Greek. He expected no different as she was a native of Constantinople.
Petar finished writing his letter and printed it with the royal seal. He then called over his servent and demanded he recopy the letter for the various vassals, dukes, and counts that resided within his empire. The note was a declaration of war against Venice and a call to arms for all of the nation. They would raise their armies in service of the King. Some 3900 men should be ready to move soon, then off to Venice.
Petar passed by the room where his daughter played. There women from his court entertained his child. He continued into his room where his queen slept, his entering awoke her and she starting jabbering something in what was probably Greek. He switched to Latin a language they both knew.
Petar: Kyriakia the education official will arrive soon to continue your lessons. He would be surprised to find you asleep in bed and naked. So will the man who I have hired to teach you Croat.
Kyriakia: Why not just send him away and we can continue what we started last night.
She wrapped her arms around him. But Petar pushed her away.
Petar: No, I have work to do as have you. Perhaps I should have chosen a wife that doesn't take her work so lightly.
Kyriakia bowed her head in shame and got dressed and got her books for her lessons. Nodding Petar headed out into town towards the garrison. There he found his nephew Stjepan drilling the troops. Hundreds of them; swords, sheilds, spears, and bows filled the garrison. Stjepan was one of the most un-appealing men god had ever seen fit to put on this earth. He was not only physically unattractive but also was quite annoying to anyone who didn't know him well.
Stjepan: Hello Uncle, the troops will be ready to go tomorrow.
Petar: Very nice work Stjepan. I also trust your son is doing well.
Stjepan: Very well thank you. He will accompany me to Venice, I will raise him on the same military education I had. If you never have a son, god forbid, then he will have to take the throne. I want him to be ready.
Petar: I have asked you several times now Stjepan not to mention my lack of a male heir. I would also like to point out I currently have a wife and a son may not be far off.
Stjepan: Yes sorry uncle. I will now go to the church and pray for favorable conditions for our war.
Petar noticed the sun setting in the horizon and decided it time to head home to his bed and his wife one last time before he went to war.
