Constantine Rys

Constantine, a character in the "Rules of Engagement" and "The Royal Romance" series, was the King of Cordonia until the end of The Royal Romance, Book 1. He is also European Guy's and Prince Liam's late father. He made his first appearance in Rules of Engagement, Book 2, Chapter 10.

Appearance
Constantine has fair skin, grey eyes and graying hair.

Events of The Royal Romance
In Book 2, Chapter 12, it was revealed that the Conspiracy Against Your Character was orchestrated by Constantine himself. He ordered Bastien to get Penelope to hire a photographer and arrange for Tariq to find Your Character isolated in her room. The crucial information that led to uncovering the kingpin in the conspiracy came from Regina when she told Your Character that the only person that could have ordered Bastien to do anything was Constantine.

When confronted about his involvement he explained that he was dying and could no longer ensure the safety of King "Liam" and Cordonia, and since Your Character was the favourite to become Queen, he decided to run you out of the race and make sure Madeleine would take the throne alongside "Liam". Ultimately, Constantine's involvement in the plot never surfaced as it would have shattered the Cordonian people's trust if word ever got out; instead he was commanded by now-King, Liam to help repair the damage he has caused in any way. He advised Your Character to look for Tariq as he was the only person who could clear her name.

Constantine said he's never regretted what he did, but is sorry that it had to happen in the first place. Your Character can choose whether or not she is nice to him from then on.

Regina
Regina is Constantine's third wife.

European Guy (Leo)
European Guy (Leo) is Constantine's eldest son.

Prince Liam
Prince Liam is Constantine's second son.

First Wife
Constantine's first wife was the former Queen of Cordonia. She is Leo's mother. She left Cordonia because she couldn't handle the royal life.

Second Wife
Constantine's second wife was the former Queen of Cordonia. She was Liam's mother. He was saddened by her death when she was poisoned by the enemies when Liam was still young.



Your Character
It is revealed in Book 2 that he was the one responsible for the scandal that initially tarnished Your Character's reputation. In Book 3, Chapter 10, He once again apologizes for his actions against you and gifts her with the Cordonian crest. According to him, it has been in the royal family for generations. He believes that you deserve it as a token to show that you'll always belong in Cordonia.

Trivia

 * He bears a resemblance to actor Rupert Everett.
 * In TRR Book 2, Chapter 12, it's revealed that Constantine has an aggressive form of lung cancer and is dying. Subsequently, this is also revealed as the reason why he abdicated the throne in favour of Prince Liam, which in turn indicates Constantine as being behind the plot against Your Character.
 * The name "Constantine" is used by several Byzantine Emperors. This could be the writers' inspiration in naming him.