Liala is the daughter of Gabriel Bayheart, the Grand High Councillor, and the closest thing to a princess Denoa has seen in a hundred years. She is headstrong and determined, accustomed to getting her way, often showing a stubborn and spoilt nature. Raised in the opulence of the Grand Palace’s halls, Liala is both a product of her privileged upbringing and a fierce advocate for her own independence. While she is often seen as a perfect match for Kingsley, Portia harbours doubts about their potential marriage, unsure if he truly aligns with her vision for the future.

Neya, a Banaen maiden in the service of Portia Bayheart, grew up surrounded by the Highborn children in the palace, thanks to her mother, who was also a palace maiden. Hardworking and fiercely loyal to Liala, Neya carries out her duties with dedication, yet she harbours dreams of adventure beyond the palace walls. Though she longs to sail the Ten-and-Seven Seas and live a life filled with excitement and freedom, Neya is deeply conflicted. The comfort, stability, and safety of life in the palace are difficult to abandon, making her torn between the security she knows and the unknown adventures she craves.

Heir to the illustrious Penrod-DeVillier estate, Kingsley is a man of immense wealth and privilege. Arrogant and skilled, Kingsley carries himself with an air of superiority that often borders on callousness. Despite his many talents, his ambitions are driven by self-interest, and his intentions are rarely transparent. Kingsley’s pursuit of Liala is fervent, but those who know him well question the sincerity of his affection, suspecting that his desire to marry the Grand High Councillor’s daughter stems more from ambition and strategic advantage than genuine love.

Orticus Fawn is a learned man with an insatiable curiosity, his face perpetually lit by an eagerness to share knowledge. Scholarly and soft-spoken, he approaches the world with both fascination and humility, often distracted by the intricate workings of nature and history that others overlook. His wiry frame and slightly disheveled appearance hint at countless hours spent in libraries and studies rather than any battlefield or hardship. Orticus is affable to a fault, his enthusiasm infectious, but his lack of courage is evident, especially in moments of conflict or danger, where he often finds himself paralysed by fear. As the guardian of his young niece, Pelly, following a tragic loss of her parents, Orticus is well-meaning but insecure, deeply aware of the gulf between his scholarly mind and the strong, protective figure she seems to need. He yearns for her affection and respect, often struggling to connect with her in a way that feels genuine.

Pelly Fawn is a young girl with a sharp gaze and a haughty air, her expressions often a mix of boredom and disdain. Used to a life of comfort and privilege, she carries herself with an almost regal posture, a reminder of her once-stable, indulgent upbringing. Spoiled and self-centered, Pelly has little patience for inconvenience and often shows her displeasure through pointed comments or a well-timed eye roll. Her world was upended by the tragedy that claimed her parents, and she was left in the care of her uncle Orticus—a well-meaning but timid man she views with mild condescension rather than affection.

Gabriel Bayheart, the Grand High Councillor of Denoa, is a figure of wisdom and kindness. His forward-thinking policies and compassionate leadership have earned him great respect across the kingdom. Once a great soldier, Gabriel now carries the burden of sending countless men and women into battle, a duty that has left him weary and yearning for peace. He dotes on his daughter, Liala, cherishing her as the bright light in his life and hoping she will forge a future where peace and understanding prevail over conflict.

Timiun is Kingsley's lieutenant and is known for his sharp intelligence and strong sense of duty. A purebred aristocrat, he navigates the complex social circles with ease, cultivating numerous friendships that provide him with valuable information. Despite his noble upbringing and capable demeanor, Timiun has a weak stomach for the dirtier jobs, preferring to leave such tasks to Griff. His refined nature and extensive network make him an invaluable asset to Kingsley's endeavors, though he often struggles with the darker aspects of their pursuits.

Griff is Kingsley's right-hand man and is a figure of unwavering loyalty to his captain. Hailing from the lower end of the gentry, Griff's enormous stature and physical brutality make him an imposing presence, ensuring compliance and fear in equal measure. He carries out Kingsley's dirty work with a resolute and unflinching demeanor, his commitment to Kingsley absolute. Griff's formidable strength and ruthless efficiency mark him as a dependable enforcer, willing to go to any lengths to uphold his captain's interests.