Cystennin was not groomed to be King. The second son of Arthur, his elder brother Rhisiart was destined to wear the purple. As such Cystennin grew up in his mothers household, the Queen Alexandria Household in the Royal Apartments in Caerdydd. As such whilst well read and capable he lacked many of the more subtle skills required to govern. Such a lacking was attempted to be put right following the death of his brother during the Rebellion of March. With Rhisiart's death, Cystennin was suddenly catapulted from the relative security of Caerdydd to the political snake pit of Caerfilli. His reign would see the growth of the sciences, the arts as well as the increasing industrialisation of the South Wales valleys. It would also see the rise in North Walian anger, the rise of the Prince of Gwyne