Rong-zhi

Rong-zhi, in some way, has a bloodline tied in with the kems of the Creator's Kingdom. He is the only surviving son of his family tree. Every kit before him died before birth or died shortly after birth. He was also very sickly as a young kit and his health was of the utmost importance to everyone in the kingdom. He was often brought the finest dishes and all his food was tested for poison before he consumed it. It was never determined what was wrong with his blood line, but over time, the number of healthy, living kits slowly decreased. Many healers came to try to "cleanse" the blood of his relatives, but nothing worked.

Over time, as he grew older and stronger, he was expected to produce an heir as well. Unfortunately, the curse seemed indiscriminate. No matter how many willing participants came forward to be the king's consort, he could not produce a single heir. As his older relatives began to die, he became more frantic and generally more mean. His life no longer became his own, but a desperate bid to keep his kingdom out of the dripping jaws of his power hungry cousin, Jasmine. Her bloodline was prosperous and overflowing. She offered many treaties to Alisdair to take his land, while leaving him alone in some quiet corner. But Jasmine is cruel to both her army and her people. And if there is anyone that Rong-zhi is most grateful to, it is the kems who protected and raised him.

Among those is Violet, a member of his guard. She was a kit sold to Rong-zhi's father when he needed soldiers for his army. She grew up with Rong-zhi and he considers her his closest counsel. He has strong feelings for her but because of the relationship they were raised in, his love is one sided. He ends up trying to force Violet's eye toward him by removing any love interest she might have.