Curtis's Links
Curtis loves his brother, though he is riddled with envy. Curtis has successfully deluded himself everything he does is for Avery while acting completely selfishly. Avery is often an afterthought in his ambitions. There is something separating the brothers, and it is deeper than distance.
As a child, Avery envied Curtis. He was always far more capable and charismatic, and so Avery acted apathetic towards him. Though deep down, Avery wishes nothing more than to live in harmony with his brother, he feels a strong sense of betrayal and abandonment. If the two are to reconcile, Curtis must make it clear why they could not rule together. Avery is resolved to face the truth, even if it is not what he wants to hear.
Curtis trusts Rhine. He is much a mystery to Curtis, but he prefers to keep him close. Curtis believes Rhine is a genius. The two get along like brothers, and Rhine helps to fill the hole left behind by Avery. Like many others, Curtis is attracted to the idea of Rhine, and hopes the chameleon can teach him the ways of enigma.
In Curtis, Rhine sees opportunity. He is young and impressionable, in awe of Rhine's charisma. It is Rhine's sole objective to maintain a favorable relationship with Curtis. If he cannot do so, then let Curtis at least think him a powerful ally, and an even more powerful enemy.
Sebastian owes the king for MUCH of what he has, much more than the public is aware, a fact Curtis won't take lightly. Whenever Sebastian, with his old and 'traditional' sentiments begins himself questioning the pecking order, Curtis clearly reminds him who's in charge. Follow the money and find the truth Sebastian. It's a little back alley to be sure, but this is the world of politics. Curtis never has to worry about betrayal from this direction.
As is customary for those in a position of power, Sebastian earned his place as the king's treasurer primarily by being there the longest. Sebastian was never interested in finance, but with matters of money, such things are irrelevant. His job may not be the highest paying (though it is certainly up there), but it does require a great deal of trust and prerequisite knowledge. Thus, Sebastian never has to worry about being replaced. Give the king what he wants to hear, give the public the opposite, and return home with a handful of livres carefully deducted from the books under the guise of an arbitrary tax expense. Perhaps buy another Papillon.