Vault Items List

Chess's fiancé and Marcus's oldest friend, together at last — a portrait from the Book 2 gallery.

Sovereign of the Kingdom of Marvidinia · Patriarch of the House of Gratiani. A man of quiet authority and long vision, he has guided his family and his kingdom through crisis with equal measures of patience and steel.

Wife to Maximo · Mother of four. Elegant, perceptive, and never without a plan of her own.

Eldest son of Maximo and Sophia · Heir to the throne. Steady, principled, and deeply loyal to those he loves.

Crown Princess of Marvidinia · Marcus's wife. A woman who arrived in Marvidinia under extraordinary circumstances. Art scholar, survivor, and the newest member of the House of Gratiani.

Second son of Maximo and Sophia. Quiet, watchful, and operating in shadows most people don't know exist.

Third son of Maximo and Sophia · Fin's twin · Naval officer. Navigates life with the same ease he navigates the sea — and considerably more charm than his brother.

Youngest child of Maximo and Sophia. Precise, resourceful, and entirely aware of everything happening in any room she enters.

Cancelliere di Stato · Chess's fiancé · Marcus's oldest friend. Orphaned as a child and brought into the household by King Maximo, Nicco grew up alongside the royal children as one of their own. He would give his life for any member of this family — a fact they are all aware of, including him.

Maximo's mother. The family's resident authority on everything. She has been paying attention longer than anyone else in the room, and it shows.

Fin's partner · Investigative journalist. Working with Fin to investigate corruption within the Marvidinian state. “The Wall” is her system for managing information and linking investigative clues and financial transactions via string, sticky notes, flags, documents, and photos, all pinned and taped to the actual wall of the office.