Growing Up Royal

Way to procrastinate today, Alex. Sheesh. Sorry for the late post, especially on a day for questions when I should be giving you more time. Lesson learned... until next week of course.

I have a feeling today is going to be a rant post about family dynamics. Uh, yes, yes it is.

Growing up royalty is either perceived in books as absolutely wonderful and fabulous, or a complete hell in which you are a prisoner of your own blood. I'm pretty sure that this royal family falls somewhere between the two. There are definitely a world full of perks that come from being a royal. You are never in want of anything, you are surrounded by family all the time. Sure, that could lead to feuds, but they are never bored. They get the best of everything, including an education. They have the opportunity to be an amazing help to the kingdom.

Julian is grateful for what he's grown up under. He knows that even though he's never truly seen poverty before, he knows that he has it pretty good where he is. Unlike some other royal characters I've come across, he isn't lacking in true friendship either. Sure, there's a court of people that show up and put on airs for the family, but he is blessed with a great friend who isn't just there to say he knows the prince. Julian has a lot to be thankful for and he knows that.

However, there's the other side. It's, in a way, tradition to shelter the king's children. It sounds cruel and I'm sure there's been plenty of princes that have felt that way about it, but it does serve a very interesting purpose. The Quest of Kings is a crash course in growing up. By sheltering their sons away from the world outside the castle walls, they are required to know their kingdom intellectually first, then, when the time is right, they are shoved out on their own to see the world first hand. Their lives are changed instantly. They have to fend for themselves, taking only the knowledge they have and using it as best they can. The Quest also forces them to view the world as someone who has nothing. They will be ruling a kingdom and making decision for all walks of life, rich and poor. If they only know the royal side of life, they won't understand poverty, which is why the prince is given next to nothing when he's sent on his way.

Maybe it's as cruel a tradition as it sounds, but it has made stronger kings than any other kingdom in this world. They have to spend a year living like a poor vagabond with a quest in a world they don't know. It's like how they say a person learns a language faster when they are just thrown into that culture. They have to learn quickly. Sure, the king could spend twenty years preparing his son to take the thrown, teaching him all about what it is like to rule and be poor so that they can rule properly. But think of how often we look at our politicians and think, 'That guy/girl knows nothing about me or what it's like to be me.' This sheltered life forces him to see the world for the lowest common denominator. It's a big world and a big responsibility to be in charge of it, the king should know it as closely as he can.

Alright, onto normal ranting things. QUESTIONS PLEASE! I need them. Tomorrow is question friday (already?) and I will need something to answer. Also, I promised I would tell you when I found some music that would be inspiring for when I write. You need to check out Abney Park. It is a steampunk band! I had no idea they existed until this afternoon. I haven't listened to them much, yet, but I plan on checking them out to see if there's anything helpful in their music. I'm hoping for the best. Have a great evening!

LL&P