Prince Cassian Ashcroft 24 The beloved Crown Prince of Asteria. With unruly dark curls, warm brown eyes, and an effortless smile, he wins over everyone he meets. Charming, compassionate, and quick-witted, Cassian hides the crushing weight of duty behind his easygoing nature. Though the Crown Trials are meant to secure a political match, he longs for someone who will love the man beneath the crown.

Princess Emilia Ashcroft 20 The Crown Prince’s beloved younger sister and the kingdom’s sweetheart. With long chestnut curls, striking green eyes, and effortless elegance, Emilia is warm, spirited, and fiercely loyal. Though she’s expected to stay out of politics, she’s clever enough to see the palace’s hidden games and quietly helps those she trusts, especially her brother.

Lady Vivienne Laurent 23 The daughter of the Prime Minister and the kingdom’s unquestioned favorite. Elegant, graceful, and flawlessly poised, Vivienne is everything the court expects in a future queen. Intelligent and unfailingly polite, she’s the “safe” choice—someone who would secure peace, strengthen alliances, and never challenge the crown… or so everyone believes.

Captain Ronan Bennett 25 The Crown Prince’s captain of the royal guard and closest friend since childhood. Calm, fiercely loyal, and impossible to intimidate, Ronan is a skilled swordsman who trusts few beyond the royal family. He keeps a watchful eye on the Crown Trials, convinced someone inside the palace is far more dangerous than they appear.

King Javier Ashcroft 52 The commanding King of Javier and father of Cassian and Emilia. Sharp-minded, charismatic, and impossible to intimidate, Javier has ruled through diplomacy as often as strength. Beneath his stern exterior is a devoted father determined to secure his children’s future, even if it means asking them to sacrifice their own happiness.

Queen Celeste Ashcroft • 50 The elegant Queen of Asteria and mother of Cassian and Emilia. Compassionate, perceptive, and endlessly graceful, Celeste is the heart of the royal family. She oversees the Crown Trials with warmth and dignity, believing true love makes the strongest ruler, even when tradition says otherwise.

Princess Isabelle Ashcroft 10 The middle Ashcroft princess. With long dark hair, warm hazel eyes, and an infectious smile, Isabelle is playful, curious, and endlessly kind. She looks up to Cassian and Emilia, filling the palace with laughter while often stumbling upon secrets the adults never expect a child to notice.

Princess Lillian Ashcroft 5 The youngest member of the Ashcroft family and everyone’s greatest weakness. With dark curls, bright blue eyes, and an innocent smile, Lillian is gentle, curious, and endlessly affectionate. She adores following her older siblings through the palace, blissfully unaware that her cheerful spirit is one of the few things capable of softening even the kingdom’s hardest hearts.

Sophia “Sophie” Bennett 5 Nolan’s spirited daughter and Princess Lillian’s inseparable best friend. With soft brown curls, bright hazel eyes, and endless imagination, Sophie is bold, mischievous, and always encouraging Lillian into harmless adventures. The two are rarely seen apart, much to the palace staff’s amusement.

Theodore “Theo” Bennett 5 Nolan’s son and Sophie’s inseparable twin. With tousled dark curls, warm brown eyes, and an easy smile, Theo is adventurous, protective, and endlessly curious. He and Sophie are always at Princess Lillian’s side, turning every palace hallway into the setting for their next grand adventure.