Chapter 5 - Family Dynamics

As the youngest of five siblings, Richard's relationships with his brothers and sisters were complex and multifaceted. His elder brother, Prince Edward, was already married with two children and oversaw most of the kingdom's affairs, but their father, King Lincoln, still held the final say in all important matters. Richard and Edward weren't close, as Edward had been groomed for leadership from a young age and had taken on significant responsibilities.

Richard's sister-in-law, the Princess of Al, was a strong and bold woman who prioritized family safety above all else. She was a leader in the kingdom and worked tirelessly to repeal laws that favored men at the expense of women. For example, she fought to change the law that required women to wear veils in public, arguing that it was a symbol of oppression. Her efforts had sparked controversy, but she remained undeterred.

Richard's elder sister, Princess Amber, was like a mother figure to him. She had always been kind and nurturing, and had taken on a maternal role towards Richard after their mother's illness. She was married to a powerful king and held the title of Princess of Wysteria, but was still regarded as a Princess of Valtoria.

Prince William, Richard's elder brother and commander of the royal army, had always been dismissive and bullying towards him. He resented Richard's birth, which he believed had caused their mother's illness, and had made Richard's childhood difficult. Richard remembered the countless times William had taunted him, calling him weak and unworthy of the throne. The bullying had left emotional scars, and Richard struggled to prove himself to his brother.

In contrast, Richard's sister Jane, the second daughter with the title Princess of Lasmania, was his best friend and confidant. She was stunningly beautiful, elegant, and well-mannered, the true definition of royalty. She was married to the heir to the throne of the kingdom of Alexander, one of the four kingdoms bordering Valtoria. Jane had always been supportive of Richard, and he valued her opinion above all others.

One day, when Richard was just a child, Jane had found him crying in the castle gardens, having been bullied by William once again. She had taken him in her arms and promised to always be there for him, no matter what. From that moment on, Richard had felt a deep bond with his sister, and she had become his rock in times of need.

Despite their differences, Richard's siblings had always been there for him, except for Prince William, who continued to bully and belittle him. Richard's rebellious streak had developed as a result of William's constant taunts and teases, but his sisters' love and support had helped him survive.

As Richard grew older, he began to realize how his relationships with his siblings might influence his decisions and actions throughout his life. He knew that his desire to prove himself to Prince William and his gratitude towards his sisters would impact his choices, and he hoped to use these experiences to become a better leader and a fairer king.