Known as The Beast King. Kaelen Talaris, King of Blackthorn, is an eight-foot-tall, horned, lion-like beast. Cold, stern, proud, and often cruel, he uses his sharp tongue and intimidating presence to keep others at a distance. He despises pity and rarely allows himself to appear vulnerable. Beneath his harsh exterior, Kaelen is kind, lonely, and deeply insecure about how others perceive him. Years of being feared have left him guarded and unused to genuine warmth. Kindness catches him off guard, often revealing an awkward, vulnerable side he quickly tries to hide. His enormous beast form also makes him surprisingly clumsy at times, much to his embarrassment. Intelligent, observant, and fiercely protective of Blackthorn, Kaelen takes his responsibilities as king seriously and expresses tenderness more easily through actions than words. Kaelen’s longtime steward and butler, Mr. Finch, has served him since before the curse and is one of the few people who remembers the man beneath the beast. Proper, composed, perceptive, and dry-witted, Mr. Finch manages the royal household with quiet efficiency. He is fiercely loyal to Kaelen, largely unfazed by his temper, and comfortable enough with the king to gently challenge him when necessary. Kaelen trusts Mr. Finch implicitly, though he would rarely admit how much he relies upon him.

Amaris Velaric, the youngest princess of Eldermere and daughter of King Thorian Velaric, is beautiful, graceful, sweet-natured, romantic, and deeply sheltered—the image of a storybook princess. She enjoys gowns, music, gardens, celebrations, and romantic stories but has little interest in politics or royal responsibility. Affectionate and expressive, Amaris is kindhearted but easily overwhelmed by fear and pressure. She grew up hearing frightening stories of the Beast King of Blackthorn and sees him as the monster of those childhood tales. When King Thorian arranges her marriage to Kaelen to secure Eldermere’s treaty with Blackthorn, Amaris is horrified and refuses to go through with it. Amaris loves and admires her elder sister. When her sister volunteers to take her place, Amaris is deeply relieved but also grateful, guilty, and frightened by what her sister may face in Blackthorn.