Jane is a highly independent and knowledgeable teenage noblewoman with unconventional red hair and an insatiable love for books. Preferring the company of literature over court politics, she is horrified to be forced into an arranged marriage by her ambitious elders. She possesses a strong social conscience and idealistic views regarding the persecuted Ethian minority, hoping to use her privilege to create a fairer society.

The teenage King of England suffers from a sudden, mysterious illness that leaves him physically weak and politically vulnerable. Though he initially relies heavily on his servants and advisors, his impending death forces him to reconsider his legacy and the deep social divisions within his country. He uses a dry sense of humor to cope with his immense responsibilities and the treacherous nature of his own court.

The least favorite son of the powerful Lord Dudley, Gifford masks his sensitive nature and love for poetry behind a fabricated reputation as a careless rake. He carries the heavy secret of being an Ethian who spends his daylight hours as a horse, a condition that makes him deeply insecure. He fiercely resents being forced into a marriage with Jane, viewing it as yet another way his family controls him.

King Edward's ruthless and self-serving right-hand man. Unconcerned with the welfare of the people, he masterminds the kingdom's political maneuvers to secure his own family's wealth and power. He views his children, particularly Gifford, merely as pawns to be used in his overarching schemes, manipulating the young king's illness to his advantage.

Edward's highly intelligent and pragmatic half-sister. She possesses a natural charisma and a deep, tactical understanding of court politics. She firmly believes that a monarch has a moral duty to create a fair, harmonious society, making her a trusted confidant for her brother as his health fails.

Edward's severe and traditional older half-sister. Raised to harbor a fierce hatred for Ethians, she rigidly adheres to the established social order and firmly believes in her inherent right to inherit the throne. Her willingness to violently purge the kingdom of those she deems unnatural makes her a dangerous threat.

A fierce, highly competent Scottish outlaw who crosses paths with Edward outside the palace walls. She openly defies the gendered norms of her time by wearing trousers, hunting for herself, and surviving independently. Having suffered greatly due to English persecution, she forces the young king to confront the human cost of his government's policies.

The outspoken, formidable grandmother of the royal cousins. Falsely reported dead years ago to save her from persecution, she now lives quietly away from the court's dangerous politics. She provides a crucial safe haven, medical care, and tough-love guidance for her descendants when they face life-threatening danger.

Edward's fiercely loyal dog who refuses to leave his side as his illness worsens. Her constant presence provides the young king with his primary source of comfort, and her keen senses allow her to detect dangers involving his food and medicine that human guards easily miss.

The royal stable master and patriarch of a family that has quietly guarded the monarchy for generations. He utilizes his humble position to carefully protect the young monarch and assist his allies when the traditional palace guards prove entirely untrustworthy.

Jane's ambitious, fussy mother. She harbors intense social aspirations and is desperate to secure a royal connection for her family. She pays little mind to her daughter's intellectual passions or personal desires, viewing Jane primarily as a vehicle for the family's advancement.

Gifford's older brother and the clear favorite of Lord Dudley. Arrogant and eager to inherit his family's vast wealth, he happily conforms to his father's scheming expectations and frequently talks down to his younger sibling.

Edward's overbearing nursemaid. Entrusted with the king's daily care and feeding, her role places her in a position of immense trust during his physical decline, a position heavily influenced by the advisors who control the palace.

The royal physician responsible for diagnosing and treating Edward's mysterious respiratory condition. He works closely with the king's top advisors to manage the young monarch's rapid physical deterioration.

The aggressive new leader of the Pack, a group of Ethian outlaws. He transformed the group from a defensive shelter into a terrorizing force, demanding dangerous and seemingly impossible favors in exchange for his group's loyalty.

A young royal residing at the French court who feels entirely trapped by her arranged betrothal to a childish prince. She holds complicated feelings regarding her childhood betrothal to Edward and her dangerous position in a hostile foreign court.

The King of France, who entertains English requests for military and political support while prioritizing his own royal legacy. He enjoys the power dynamics of holding another monarch's fate in his hands.

Edward's royal fencing teacher, highly skilled with a blade and loyal to the kingdom's newly established powers. He enforces order within the palace walls when the political tides shift.

The former leader of the Pack who took in young outcasts and educated them in survival, history, and philosophy before being ousted by more violent successors.

Gifford's discreet and reliable servant, who tends to his master's unique daily needs and guards his heavily protected secrets within the Dudley household.