Zhtal-Merlkai Patriarch Splits Noble Titles Between Two SonsDuke Jebr Reviews Aristocratic House Succession Laws As Long-Running Row With Monarch ContinuesDuke Jebr and Princess Agzé pictured during happier times... their relationship has now become strained following the Zhtál family row with the King. January 4524 - In a move away from traditional primogeniture succession in the Zhtál-Merlkai noble family, the current patriarch has named his second son as heir to one of his noble titles.
Duke Jebr Zhtál of Vrkzel has two boys from his marriage to the current King's granddaughter - they are Prince Temrkai Sigzma, who is 16, and 13-year old Prince Dytrik Kspar.
It is expected through the current royal line of succession that Prince Temrkai will one day be king, inheriting the throne from his mother Princess Agzé Banmek-Sntazed.
But the Duke, keen to ensure both his offspring inherit substantial titles and that the Zhtál-Merklai household has a lasting legacy, has taken the unorthodox step of naming his younger boy heir to his title pertaining to the Vrzkel ducal estate in northern Skrovestes. The elder, Temrkai, will still inherit the family titles in Havendam.
Duke Zhtál has a severely strained relationship with the current King - Wrntukai VI, who is now 90. Legislative attempts to have Lord Jebr named Chief Advisor to the monarch were twice blocked by the King's Royal Veto despite being passed by the Ground Council. That and other factors relating to royal succession led to the government introducing the Constitutional Monarchy Act, stripping the king of the veto and completely transferring the power to scrutinise legislation to the Court of Justices instead.
It is understood that the Monarch and Duke Jebr have hardly spoken a word since the sidelining took place and that the feud has put an incredible strain on Zhtál's relationship with his wife, Princess Agzé.
Nevertheless, under the new arrangement Prince Temrkai will eventually ascend to the throne and provide continuation for the royal Banmek-Snazted dynasty. His brother Prince Dytrik will inherit the Duke of Vrkzel title and become the first member of a new cadet branch - Banmek-Snazted-Zhtál.
It is worth noting that the Suadja Mrjogadé Shlajofitojafmorzi (New Conservative Front) - the governing party in Vanuku - is still financed by the Zhtál noble family, even though they have actively kept a low political profile since Duke Jebr's brother, General Andrj, resigned as Prefect 10 years ago.