1227 (as OTL), Theodore of Epirus and Thessalonica drove the Nikaian garrison out of Adrianople and annexed much of Thrace. Bulgaria and Nikaia allied against him, defeating and capturing him and dividing his lands in 1230. One competitor on the Balcans was removed. But in 1241, Bulgarian czar Ivan Asen II died, and Bulgaria lost its influence on Serbia and Epirus. Still, Bulgaria defended better than OTL against Nikaia in 1246, kept most of the conquered (former Byzantine) areas, had to cede only Adrianople and Athos and help Nikaia against the Latin Empire.