Prince. Thief. Mason.

For a character who was only intended to be a small side personality, this guy has really worked his way forward. So much so that he got his own book!

In my original versions of this character, Ross was a simple mason. His role was to propel Nienna to pursue her passion for teaching after their disastrous encounter at Owen’s ball. Then, as the drafts continued to evolve, he worked his way into becoming a stronger side character with aims at courting the young princess.

By the time book two, THE RAIDER’S CURSE, published, Ross had worked his way into a lead role. and perpetuating a complicated love triangle that never existed in my original plan.

Ross has also captured the hearts of many of my readers. When I finished book 2, I asked them who they would like to see an extra short story about, and the answer was “Ross!”

So who is this guy? And why is he such a beloved character? Let’s find out…

Ross, or Azroth as he’s known in THE FIRE DRAKE, is a runaway prince from the land of Ballitus, a country known for Fire magic, and ruthless warriors. At the time of this story, it’s ruled by Ross’s father, Nero, a strict, unstable man, who has a bloodlust to right long ago injustices, and a paranoia of betrayal.

The might and power of Ballitus is similar to the Roman empire from our world. There is a high military focus, and as we’ll see in later books, an appeal to the masses through gladiator games. It isn’t the place for a tenderhearted child like Azroth.

When Nero forces his son to destroy his mentor and friend, Wesley Galbraith, Azroth flees. His life takes a drastic turn after this, showcasing characters you are guaranteed to see later on in the series. Despite his setbacks, Azroth is quick-witted, kind, and has more charm than the average Ballitine.

He even begins to win over Nienna in book 2, even though to fall for her would be dangerous for his health. Ballitus and Tellidus have been at war with each other for decades. And if anyone should find out who he really is, his life would be forfeited. Especially if they learned about his Fire abilities.

As with all great epic stories, you can bet things will get worse before they ever get better. With that in mind, the questions I continue to get from readers are:

1. Will Ross survive to see the end of the book?
2. Do Ross and Nienna end up together?

To both questions, I have to respond with, “We’ll see. The ending is yet to be written.”

But never forget that there is always hope, and

In the meantime, here are a few fun facts about Ross:

1. He first met Prince Owen when he joined his adopted father, Frank, at a council meeting at Solomon Castle. Owen had rubbed ink along the bottom of everyone’s chairs and burst out laughing when black hand prints started to show up on everyone’s faces after they adjusted their chairs. The two didn’t become friends until the prince and his adopted cousin Rivkah Parker began courting.
2. His first kiss was with Ariel on the summer solstice celebration in Lambswell when he was fifteen.
3. His favorite flavor of cheese is weincase (or wine soaked cheese), with gouda coming in second.
4. He’s had three broken bones in his life. His ankle, after jumping out a window in the Cardinal Cathedral in Lambswell. His wrist, while getting away from a looting job for the Vixens. His nose, after Gabe punched him the night he kissed Ariel for the first time.
5. He dreams about Nienna every night since they were trapped in Solace Prison together.

Are there other things you would like to know about Ross? If so, leave me a comment below, and I will answer them in a later post.