Character Interview: Prince Eruz

Here's the companion piece to the last post about Rashali, an interview with Prince Eruz from Urdaisunia.

1. What is your full name? Is there anything significant about your name?
My name is Eruzasharbat. I'm commonly called Eruz; it's becoming customary among younger Sazars to shorten our names. Some older Sazars think that makes our names too similar to Urdai names, but it also makes them easier to say.

2. How old are you?
I am 25 years old.

3. Tell us about your family. What do you like and not like about them?
My father is Nezudanasag, King of Urdaisunia. My mother, his First Wife, is dead. I have a younger twin brother, Hazramatanarg, and an older brother, Teshtarganazad. Teshtarg's mother was one of our father's lesser wives; that's why he isn't heir to the throne. I also have a number of sisters. My wives are Nishanara (my First Wife), Gutrarina, and Birsaguna, and I have a two-year-old daughter, Mizalilu, by Gutra.

My father and brothers... Let's just say we don't see eye-to-eye on the best way to rule Urdaisunia and deal with the Urdai people. I think their view that it's appropriate and necessary to rule the Urdai with a heavy hand is short-sighted and dangerous, not to mention wrong for its own sake. My brothers would each love to take my place as heir, and I feel like my father is always watching me for an excuse to disinherit me. My father's brother Sumatriganaz, feels more the way I do, but I'm not sure if I can count on him to back me up in a confrontation with my father.

As for my wives, they're charming and attractive, but I never seem to be quite able to please them. Especially Nisha - we've been married for five years and I've yet to give her a child.

My daughter Mizalilu is the light of my life. She's quite perfect in every way, of course, the most beautiful child ever born.

4. Who was your first kiss, and what did you think of it?
My father contracted my first three zanira for me when I was seventeen. Since, of course, it's improper for a man to kiss a woman who isn't legally contracted to him as a wife or zanira, my first kiss was one of them, though I don't remember which one. (I'll admit, though, there might have been a kitchen girl or two before then, but my first permissible experience of any kind with a woman would have been with one of those zanira.) I'm sure I enjoyed it, I enjoy engaging in intimate relations, but sometimes I wonder if duty and physical pleasure are really all there is to it.

5. What is your occupation?
I am the High Prince, the Heir to the throne of Urdaisunia. Besides the general duties that go with the position, I am responsible for matters concerning the Urdai and also the harbor city, Kubiz.

6. What are your best and worst qualities?
I think my best quality is my willingness to look at matters objectively and realistically and to think for myself rather than being blinded by prejudice and tradition. Although this does cause difficulties for me with my father.

My worst quality is that sometimes I lack the courage to stand up for what I think is right. Besides that, allow me to refer you to my wives. I'm sure they'd be happy to give you an exhaustive list of my faults.

7. What quality do you value most in a romantic partner?
I appreciate a woman who is intelligent, and who can challenge me on an equal standing. Also, I know this sounds silly, but it would be kind of nice to have a wife who cares about me for myself instead of just for what I can give her. I know that isn't how things work, but it would be nice.

8. What is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy riding my horse, Teshkarizaz, and spending time with my daughter. I also like going out in disguise to gather information myself rather than relying on agents to find out the things I want to know. It's a relief to be able to stop being the High Prince for a while and do something challenging and exciting. Also, the Sazars still worship Kuz, the god of sorcerers, and he's one of my favorite gods, so he has granted me a few small gifts which I enjoy using when I have the chance.

9. What is your greatest fear?
That my father's oppression of the Urdai will lead to an uprising, which would lead to bloodshed and disaster for all of us. I especially fear that my daughter would be harmed in a rebellion. I also fear being disinherited - not that I care so much about being King, but because both of my brothers hate the Urdai and would be even more ruthless towards them than my father is. I would like to see Urdaisunia peaceful and prosperous for the sake of all who live there, and especially for the sake of my daughter and any other children I might have.

10. What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter, Mizalilu.