Yes, @kemmyb, Prince Gawdawfel, pronounced /god * awful/, lives up to his name. I wanted to dedicate some time to him and the Crown to uncover why the villagers and peasants were under such terrible rule.
You are correct that a female presence in his life would perhaps soften him. However, his mother passed away. He didn't care for her royal family's peaceful rule over the kingdom and her upbringing, opting instead for power and turmoil like his father.
"From behind the enchantress, the queen watched with sadness, her eyes wet with tears of regret and her heart sorrowful, knowing that her only son would not heed her warning. Sorrowful also that she departed from him too early to instill qualities befitting a future king worthy of the House of Tallonz."
"All she could do to turn him from the path he had chosen had failed. Her guidance while alive over his father and him were met with disdain as she attempted to bring the kingdom to peace."
I loved working with the Mirror of Secrets and wanted to highlight its magical qualities, the reason the prince keeps it under lock.
Thanks so much for your visit. I'm pleased you found this chapter to your liking. I appreciate your in-depth analysis and support of my series.
Take care and have a good rest of your week.