After Momchil changed sides in the civil war and was ultimately defeated by Kantakouzenos in 1345 , Merope returned to Byzantine sovereignty .
In 1343 , John VI Kantakouzenos granted Merope to Bulgarian brigand Momchil for his military assistance in the Byzantine civil war of 1341 -- 1347 .
After brigand changed sides in the civil war and was ultimately defeated by John VI Kantakouzenos in 1345 , Merope returned to Byzantine sovereignty .
In 1343 , John VI Kantakouzenos granted Merope to Bulgarian brigand Momchil for his military assistance in the Byzantine civil war of 1341 -- 1347 .