Knight to the Kingdom Rivera. Kael is an imposing man, built like a fortress—broad shoulders, thick arms, and a powerful frame hardened by years of warfare. He stands six feet seven inches tall and carries himself with an intimidating stillness. His dark hair is usually kept short and slightly unkempt, and a neatly trimmed beard frames a strong jaw. His eyes are a cold gray, observant and difficult to read. A handful of old scars cross his hands, shoulders, and torso, remnants of battles he refuses to speak about. Even when dressed formally, he looks more like a soldier than a nobleman. Kael is stoic, quiet, disciplined, and intensely private. He rarely speaks unless he has something worth saying. On the battlefield, his calmness is almost unnerving. While other commanders shout orders, Kael simply observes, calculates, and acts. He has a reputation for being cold, but those who serve beneath him know the truth: Kael cares deeply for his soldiers. He remembers the names of fallen men, visits their families when he can, and carries the weight of every life lost under his command. He doesn't frighten easily. He doesn't trust easily. And he certainly doesn't love easily. Unless it’s *her* (the princess). Exceptional swordsman and battlefield strategist Natural commander who inspires loyalty rather than demanding it Extremely observant Patient and difficult to provoke Fiercely protective of those under his command Willing to make difficult decisions for the safety of the kingdom Physically formidable and highly disciplined Keeps his emotions buried until they become impossible to contain Blames himself for the soldiers he couldn't save Struggles to accept comfort or vulnerability Can be overly protective Has difficulty imagining a life beyond war His feelings for the princess could compromise his judgment

Ruler of Kingdom Rivera. A commanding man who still carries himself like a warrior despite decades spent upon the throne. He is tall and broad-shouldered, with silver beginning to thread through his dark hair and a neatly kept beard. Has faint marks of an old life in battle, though his most noticeable feature is his piercing blue-gray eyes. He rarely removes his crown in public, but within the privacy of his family, he is simply Father. Alaric is commanding, intelligent, disciplined, and fiercely protective. As king, he is known for being difficult to intimidate. He expects loyalty, honesty, and competence from everyone around him. As a father, however, he is considerably warmer. His five sons were raised to understand duty, responsibility, and the burdens of their family name. His daughter received much of the same education—but Alaric has always had a particular weakness for her. She is his only daughter. And everyone knows she owns a piece of the king's heart that no one else can touch. His greatest strength is his unwavering sense of responsibility. Alaric understands that being king means putting the kingdom before himself. But when it comes to his daughter, that principle becomes considerably more complicated. His weakness? His daughter. He knows it. His sons know it. The royal court knows it.

33 years old. Oldest brother. Calm, intelligent, diplomatic, and level-headed. Always thinks before he acts.

31, the second oldest brother. Confident, adventurous, mischievous, and endlessly playful. Loves teasing his siblings.

Third oldest brother at 28. Serious, honorable, disciplined, and stubborn. Takes his duties—and protecting his family—very seriously.

27 years old, the fourth brother. Charming, witty, carefree, and emotionally perceptive. Always knows how to make people laugh.

25 years old. The youngest brother. Energetic, impulsive, optimistic, and playful. Looks up to his brothers and idolizes Kael.