Eliana of Hsindra (1044-1072)

Eliana of Hsindra, Duchess of Salin (21 May 1044-9 March 1072), was the eldest daughter of Enser I, King of Hsindra and Bekinla, and Rioanna I, Queen of the Saungson Island. She was married to Diagar IV, Duke of Salin. She also used the title "Duchess of Sankiang".

Early life
Eliana was the firstborn child of Enser I and his wife Rioanna I, whose coming greatly pleased this couple, and she was generally considered the favorite child among her parent's 10 children. She was born in the Dofhantha Palace on 21 May 1044, when her father was Prince of Origad. She was immediately taken to the royal palace to her grandfather, King Fabio V the moment she was born. It was said that the king cried when he held his granddaughter. Fabio V wanted to name her "Joana" to memorize Enser's mother, also Rioanna's grandmother, Queen Joana of Eadien, however, Rioanna favored "Eliana" more, thus the little princess was named "Eliana". Eliana was the only grandchild who had been seen by Fabio V, as he died just 1 year later. Enser became the king as Enser I, King of Hsindra and Bekinla.

Eliana had received strict education, because her mother thought that she was the daughter of two monarchs, more honorable than other princesses, and if there was no son between Enser and Rioanna, Eliana would be crowned Queen of Hsindra, Bekinla and the Saungson Island. Considering that, Enser I planned to betrothed Eliana to Belfante IX, Duke of Palarra, who was the heir presumptive to the throne, which could prevent that the crown was seized by foreign princes. But following Eliana's brothers' births, Enser I gave up this plan; instead, he decided to find a more valuable marriage for her, and the one who was married to Belfante IX was Eliana's younger sister, Roxannia.

Eliana grew up to quiet and wise woman. Famous philosopher Joao Selone was in a crucial position in her household. Rioanna I used to worry that Eliana was too naive, but Enser said,"Marriage will teach her everything.".

Marriage
In 1062, Elanche, Duchess of Sanking, the first wife of Diagar IV, Duke of Salin, died. Diagar IV was not willing to give up the throne of Sankiang and let his son Diagar VI held it. He put Diagar VI and his sister Elanche and Orajta under house arrest, and forced Diagar VI to give up the position of Duke of Sankiang, but Diagar VI didn't submit, and Sankiang nobles and people fight against Diagar IV's reign. To confront his son, Diagar IV was eager to find an ally. Seeing his chance, Enser I showed friendship to Diagar IV. The next year, Enser I and Diagar IV made a covenant that Enser I will support Diagar IV to get the Sankiang duchy, at the same time Diagar IV should marry Enser I's daughter Eliana, and if Eliana gave birth to a son, the boy will be the first heir of Salin and Sankiang, prior to Diagar VI.

This covenant raised some discontents among Hsindran nobles, who thought Eliana was the most honorable princess in Hsindra, thus she should marry a king, not occupied with a duke who was 16 years older, not to mention that the duke had a son. Nobles hoped Enser I could let Roxannia marry Diagar IV, but Enser I didn't consent, because Roxannia had already engaged with Belfante IX.

Diagar IV and Eliana got married in L'Ostonio on 11 August 1063. Eliana began to use titles of Duchess of Salin and Duchess of Sankiang to show her support towards her husband, but at the same time, she showed sympathy to her husband's last wife's children. At her request, Diagar IV agreed to release his two daughters, but didn't free Diagar VI. Eliana was allowed to send two priests to talk with Diagar VI at regular intervals.

Eliana had been pregnant at least for 8 times. She became estranged from her stepdaughters after she had her own children. On 18 February 1067, She gave birth to her sole son, Kanaunt Isatal. Her father was delightful hearing this news, and Diagar IV immediately announced that Kanaunt Isatal was his heir, which was objected by Diagar VI. Kanaunt Isatal died 2 years later, and Eliana had no other son; instead, she had 4 daughters, 3 of whom grew up, but only Anne Elyene walked into marriage.

In 1068, Diagar VI escapeed from the prison. Diagar IV at anger ordered to jail Elanche and Orajta in an ill-conditioned prison. Eliana begged Diagar IV not to do that, but Diagar IV didn't change his mind. Until when Eliana threatened him that she will send Kanaunt Isatal to be a monk, Diagar IV agreed to move Elanche and Orajta to a manor with a good environment.

Except for interceding for her stepchildren and using the title "Duchess of Sankiang", Eliana didn't play any political role in Salin, and her support to her husband was seen as her obedience to her father, so Eliana enjoyed a good fame in Salin, while her successor Anne Madhri Isovanase was regarded as an evil and ambitious woman, although many historical records showed that she was not.

Death
Eliana died in the Palace of Eilinsupwa on 9 March 1072, at the age of 27. She died in frequent births and miscarriages. She was buried in the Garden of La Famélaçon, on 28 April. Her parent mourned for her, and missed her in the rest of their lives. Her stepdaughter, Orajta of Sankiang, gained favored of Enser I by talking about Eliana.