Figures of Earth · Character

Alianora

A princess of the Apsarasas who can blight corn and raise tempests, and who proposes poisoning her father once she and Manuel are wed.

major

Also known as Dame Alianora, young Alianora, the Princess Alianora, Queen Alianora

First appearance: X: Alianora

As a major figure in Figures of Earth, Alianora is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The Unattainable Princess, seen bathing at the pool of Haranton; Manuel takes a feather from her robe.

In the storyVI: Economics of MathOpen this moment free

See Alianora in VI: Economics of Math Book page

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Alianora is a fine-looking and intelligent girl whose magic works only on the bodies of men and beasts, a limitation she humbly concedes beside Manuel's power over the hearts of kings. She resents his third image, which mixes her proud features with his own, calling it the next thing but one to egotism. Her cheerful scheme to rid herself of Father so Manuel can be King of Arles collides with his geas, and that friction between love, ambition, and sorcery shapes the middle of the book.

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See Alianora in X: Alianora

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Alianora sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Manuel's Wives and Family
Magicians and Authority Figures
Protagonist
Royal Allies and Courtiers

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Manuel’s irrever…

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Relationships

Dom Manuel
romantic · positive
A brief but intense romantic entanglement with the Queen of Provence, driven by mutual… How this plays out →
Dom Manuel
romantic · positive
A brief but intense romantic entanglement with the Queen of Provence, driven by mutual… How this plays out →
Dom Manuel
romantic · positive
A brief but intense romantic entanglement with the Queen of Provence, driven by mutual… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Alianora in X: Alianora

In the story

Alianora appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VI: Economics of Math
The Unattainable Princess, seen bathing at the pool of Haranton; Manuel takes a feather from her robe.
VIII: The Halo of Holiness
Referenced as the Unattainable Princess toward whom Manuel travels.
The Feather of Love
Alianora recognizes the goose-feather but declares it genuine to protect Manuel. She persuades her father to burn the robe, choosing love over magic.
X: Alianora
The Princess of Provence, betrothed to Manuel; she is jealous of Niafer, plans to poison her father, and reveals the secret of Schamir to Manuel.
XI: Magic of the Apsarasas
Performs the incantation to summon the birds, humoring Manuel's quest.
Ice and Iron
Alianora manipulates her father into letting her marry the King of England, though she is truly in love with Manuel. She weeps after his departure but quickly turns to planning her wardrobe and future.
XIV: They Duel on Morven
Her clay image is animated by Freydis and limps away, a living creature more beautiful than human.
XV: Bandages for the Victor
Arranges her marriage to the King of England with a reduced dowry, celebrated in Arles and Provence.
XVI: Freydis
Mentioned as another woman Manuel loved after Niafer, now seen as a substitute.
XXI: Touching Repayment
Manuel recalls his past love for her; her tears on a handkerchief are used in the ritual to resurrect Niafer.
XXIV: Three Women
Princess riding to Quentavic to marry the King of England, she mocks Niafer's ugliness but tells Manuel she will summon him with a token.
Deals with the Stork
Manuel declines to seek help from Alianora in England, citing their resemblance as a reason to avoid her.
XXIX: Sesphra of the Dreams
Alianora is mentioned as the appearance Sesphra takes on, representing Manuel's lost youth.
Now Manuel Prospers
The yellow-haired friend who sends a goose-feather to Manuel, summoning him to England. Her motives are unclear, causing Niafer's suspicion.
XXXIV: Farewell to Alianora
Queen of England, desperate for an heir; asks Manuel to give her the promissory note for a boy baby; tries to persuade Manuel to stay as her lover but is refused.
XL: Colophon
The golden loveliness of Alianora appears briefly among the drowned memories in Lethe.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Alianora unlock in the free preview.

See Alianora in X: Alianora

See Alianora in VI: Economics of Math