Prince Karl-Horst von Maasmarck

Karl-Horst von Maasmarck is the spoiled prince of Macklenburg, a duchy of Germany. He is to be wed to Lydia Vandaariff, the only daughter of Lord Robert Vandaarif. Karl-Horst has led a wastrel's life and has a weak character. We first meet the prince in the first book of the trilogy when Dr. Abelard Svenson has rescued him from the clutches of the Cabal. Unbeknownst to Svenson, Karl-Horst had been in their clutches quite willingly.

Appearance
Karl-Horst is usually seen in military regalia from Macklenburg, though he himself has never served as a soldier or officer. His bad habits have aged him somewhat prematurely. He suffers from syphilis and drinks heavily.

Personality
The prince of Macklenburg is weak willed and self-indulgent. Despite his flaws, it can be argued that he does indeed care for Lydia Vandaariff. This is most evident at the end of the Glass Books of the Dream Eaters with his concern for Lydia's health. Karl-Horst is an arrogant womanizer. He is held in contempt by the Contessa. His poor behavior requires him to be constantly monitored. This odious task has fallen to Svenson, who is loyal to the royal family, if not overly fond of the prince. While Svenson is said to travel with the Macklenburg party in the capacity as physician, he is really there to protect Karl-Horst from himself and his own foolishness.