Editing Queens of Amber (section)

==='''Astrid.'''===
 ''Mother of Derek and Arloxedra''. Queen with Eric. 
 
<span style=color:blue>'' Status-Living''</span>

Considered Queen of Amber in all but the most official records.  There is no record of their marriage having been formalized in Amber though they both claim to have done so privately.  There are records of a legal marriage between them on the Shadow realm of Andal.   She was never formally crowned and while she sat in the queens throne during Eric's reign and served as queen, was spoken of and introduced as Queen, and styled herself in writing as queen, many consider her a mere consort. 

There are many who called her "Eric's Concubine" behind Eric and her back.  There is considerable bitterness in Amber towards her.

The problem is that the extreme difference in ages between Arloxedra and Derek show that Astrid had been a part of Eric's private life for thousands of years. Eric had never brought her to Amber before and her existence was a secret until after Eric became King.  Only Corwin, Borlak, Benedict and Fiona knew of her before then. Presumably Oberon did as well.   When magical methods are used Queen Astrid detects as married to Eric.  The Church of the Unicorn is adamant that their marriage was not legitimate and refused to ofiaciate if she was officially crowned.  The rumor was that Eric crowned her privately. 

After Eric's death she left and retired to Eric's estates in Thalusia, where her son Derek dotes on her.  The bitterness between Arloxedra and Derek has some unknown causes most likely but his refusal to visit Astrid is a large vocal part both men admit.

*As of 5273 Queen Vialle confirmed Queen Astrid's Royal Letters Patent by announcing that Queen Astrid had worn the Queen's Coronet and been accepted by it.  This thorny political issue had long tainted her time in Amber and Eric's reign.  The announcement was part of King Random's efforts to settle outstanding matters of charters arising from Eric's term as King.