# King Theodoret — Domnei character guide

> King Theodoret in Domnei by James Branch Cabell.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Theodoret, Pious Theodoret

**First appearance:** 0024-xiv-how-perion-braved-theodoret

## Snapshot

The pious Christian king betrothed to Melicent, whose claim on her hand makes him the earthly obstacle to Perion's exalted and ruinous devotion.

## Who they are

Theodoret rules as a Christian monarch whose marriage to Melicent is arranged and awaited at Bellegarde. His piety and royal authority stand in blunt contrast to the troubadour faith of domnei that Perion serves, so the king's claim on Melicent becomes the fixed point against which Perion's worship measures itself. He matters early because the whole drama of devotion, renunciation, and violence turns on whether a husband's lawful right can outweigh a lover's religion.

## In the story

### [A Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/a-preface)

Mentioned as Melicent's intended husband at Bellegarde.

### [How Perion Was Unmasked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/i-how-perion-was-unmasked)

Mentioned as having withdrawn his sinister presence from Bellegarde earlier.

### [How the Vicomte Was Very Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ii-how-the-vicomte-was-very-gay)

Mentioned as the intended husband of Melicent, the match arranged by the Bishop of Montors.

### [How Melicent Wedded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/v-how-melicent-wedded)

Mentioned as the man to whom Melicent's kinsmen plan to give her in marriage.

### [How Time Sped with Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xi-how-time-sped-with-perion)

Declares a crusade, recognizes Perion as the former Vicomte de Puysange but conceals it, appoints him generalissimo.

### [XII: How Demetrios Was Taken](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xii-how-demetrios-was-taken)

Demetrios is taken toward his realm, and Perion swears not to let Theodoret kill Demetrios.

### [XIV: How Perion Braved Theodoret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xiv-how-perion-braved-theodoret)

Pious and penurious monarch, torn between his oath and fear of damnation, reluctantly grants Perion twenty-four hours.

### [How Perion Fought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xv-how-perion-fought)

Swears a truce but allows Duke Sigurd's men to pursue Perion and Demetrios.

### [XVI: How Demetrios Meditated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xvi-how-demetrios-meditated)

King Theodoret is the ruler to whose realm Demetrios returns, expecting that Perion may have been taken to him.

### [How Demetrios Held His Chattel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxi-how-demetrios-held-his-chattel)

Theodoret is mentioned as the king in whose country Demetrios fought Perion.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/theodoret
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters