Prince Robert's Reign: The Rightful Heir (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781972276204)

Robert Castione was never meant to be king.

As the fifth child and third son of Grand King Philip, Robert expected a life of horses, mischief, and freedom while his older brothers carried the burden of Mendagan's future. But after King Loudin's treachery claims the lives of Chandler and Marcus, Robert is named heir to the throne.

Now sixteen, newly married to Maria, and still grieving the brother he adored, Robert must step into a role he never wanted and does not feel prepared to fill. His father pushes him through lessons in law, trade, politics, and duty. The council watches for weakness. His seizures frighten those who love him and give his enemies reason to question whether he can rule.

Yet Robert sees what many at court refuse to see.

While noblemen debate rank and power, commoners struggle under unfair taxes, dishonest foreclosures, and advisors who twist the law for their own gain. Robert's lifelong habit of helping quietly from the shadows becomes something more dangerous-and more necessary. If he is to become the king his people need, he must learn when to obey, when to challenge, and when to bring hidden corruption into the light.

The Rightful Heir is a young adult medieval-style coming-of-age novel about grief, family, leadership, court politics, and a prince learning that worth is not proven by perfection, but by the courage to serve.