Frederick von Hohenstaufen II

"'A man of extraordinary culture, energy, and ability -- called by a contemporary chronicler stupor mundi (the wonder of the world)' - Donald Detwiler" Frederick von Hohenstaufen II (German: Friederich II, Italian: Ferderico II di Svevia). The only child of Henry VI and Constanza d'Altavilla, and under the protection of his paternal uncle, Philip von Schwaben. He became King of Sicily at the age of two, was orphaned at the age of four, and lost his guardian at age ten. Frederick grew to become one of the most powerful rulers in the world and brought the House of Hohenstaufen to its peak of prosperity. He was the first cousin of Elisabeth and Marie and took them in after their mother died.

Personality
Until the age of fourteen Frederick was spoiled and selfish. His parents died before his fifth birthday, leaving him the sole heir to the Sicilian throne. As such, his world revolved around him and he got anything he wanted. He was under the guardianship of Pope Innocent III, and under the tutelage of the future Pope Honorious III. Despite being surrounded by powerful Catholic figures, Frederick himself was not religious. His religious skepticism would become a point of contention in the future of his rule. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and had ancient Greek and and Arabic works translated. He excelled in both science and the arts--an unusual trait for royalty in the Middle Ages.

When he was fourteen, Frederick's guardian, his uncle King Philip von Schwaben, was assassinated and four months later, Philip's wife, Queen Irene Angelina, passed away as well leaving their four daughters orphaned. He was not responsible for the elder two, but he took in the younger two: Marie and Elisabeth. He became quite close to his cousins, particularly Elisabeth, and his personality changed for the better due to their presence.