52 pages • 1-hour read
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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Ella is an intelligent, confident young girl residing in the kingdom of Kyrria. A fairy cursed her at birth with forced obedience, requiring her to obey any direct command. Despite this magical restriction, she is determined and witty, possessing a talent for learning the languages of magical creatures. She relies on her humor and inner strength to survive a world that constantly tries to exploit her vulnerability.
Prince Charmont is the young royal heir of Kyrria. He dislikes the constant groveling of courtiers and seeks normal, genuine interactions. Kind and humble despite his privilege, he possesses an eagerness to learn and travel. He finds himself drawn to Ella's easy playfulness, contrariness, and wit.
Romantic interest of Ella
Commander of Sir Stephan
Mandy works as the cook at Ella's family manor, though she secretly operates as a fairy godmother to the Eleanor line. She believes firmly in only using small magic to keep her loved ones comfortable, viewing large-scale spells as dangerous. She acts as a fierce protector and maternal figure, finding subtle ways to assist her charge.
Godmother of Ella
Former protector of Lady Eleanor
Hattie is the haughty, scheming daughter of Dame Olga. Preoccupied with high society and material wealth, she maintains a facade of refined femininity that masks her true avarice. Upon discovering Ella's magical affliction, she weaponizes it to demean her and force her into servitude.
Sir Peter is an ambitious, selfish merchant who spends most of his time away on trading expeditions. Obsessed with money and social standing, he is perfectly willing to use deceptive practices to sell his wares. He views his family members primarily as financial assets to be leveraged for his own gain.
Lady Eleanor is Ella's mother, known for her kindness and keen sense of humor. She shares a playful spirit with her daughter, enjoying activities like sliding down banisters when no one is watching. Her sudden illness brings sorrow to the manor.
Lucinda is an irresponsible fairy who practices big magic without considering the consequences. She is vain and easily flattered, preferring to command gratitude rather than fix her magical mistakes. Her spells often inflict suffering on her targets.
Curse-giver to Ella
Spell-caster to Sir Peter
Dame Olga is a wealthy, status-obsessed noblewoman who catches the eye of Sir Peter. She is a vindictive and harsh matriarch who takes pleasure in the debasement of those she views as inferior. Her household runs on snobbery and cruelty.
Olive is the gluttonous, greedy sister of Hattie. While she shares her family's cruel streak and demands money from others, she lacks her older sister's cunning intelligence. She relies on blunt demands rather than psychological manipulation.
Areida is a student at the finishing school in Jenn who speaks with an Aythoraian accent. Mocked by wealthier girls for her lack of status, she remains compassionate and fiercely loyal. She serves as a vital comfort during a period of intense loneliness.
Pamella is a childhood acquaintance of the protagonist. Upon learning about the magical obedience restriction, she immediately abuses the knowledge to issue commands, resulting in a physical altercation that ends their connection.
Former friend of Ella
Sir Stephan is an observant knight in the service of the royal family. He acts as an escort through dangerous territories and frequently praises his royal commander's eagerness to learn.
Subordinate to Prince Charmont
Escort to Ella