The Boy King Who Ruled Two Kingdoms. Childebert II began life wearing a crown that was far too heavy for his age. Ascending the throne at five years old, he inherited Austrasia during one of the most unstable moments of the Merovingian era. But he didn’t face it alone. Behind him stood one of the era’s most formidable figures: Queen Brunhilda, his grandmother, mentor, and political architect. Under Brunhilda’s guidance, Childebert learned fast. He grasped diplomacy early, built alliances intelli