Valeria is an armigette of the Citadel.
Valeria's past is shrouded in mystery. She apparently lives in the towers near the Atrium of Time, where she first meets Severian as a child. After Severian becomes autarch, he marries her.
During Severian's journey to Yesod, he leaves Father Inire in control of the Phoenix Throne. However, although Severian assumes the trip will take about a year, his absence lasts for about fifty years. During this time, it is assumed that Severian has died. Valeria takes over the throne and marries Dux Caesidius, ruling until Severian's return.