Welcome to the A to Z Challenge. This year I’m blogging about the Behind the Scenes for the Echoes Trilogy – a story a started writing about six years ago.

King Dalan – Is he the villain? Or is he the loving father? Really, it depends on who you ask. (And, if you’re asking me, then I suppose my answer would be that yes – yes he is.)

King Dalan is nearing his 40th year, is tall, has blonde hair, gray eyes, a commanding personality, and one daughter who he loves very much: Princess Rylie.

Superstitious and terrified of echoes (twins), King Dalan supports the law revoking the Echo Banishment Decree, but only with lip service. A handful of high-up people in the palace know that he still abhors the very word “echo.” And, because of that, some of those who he wishes to be closest to have little respect for him. Namely his daughter. (Although, due to superb acting skills, he doesn’t exactly realize that.)

Although his marriage to Queen Lena was a political one, they grew to have mutual affection for one another. Even though her untimely death took place nearly twelve years ago, he still misses her and refuses to even consider the idea of remarrying.

Although his personal life isn’t enviable, he’s a capable leader, and for the most part, well loved among the citizens of Kios. He has dedicated his life to bettering the lives of everyone who resides in Kios – from the noble men to the sheepherders.

King Dalan’s Favorite Meal: Sage and clove stuffed fish, fresh asparagus with new cream, potato dumplings, aged sheep-milk cheese, and dried centa berry pie with spiced cider.

King Dalan’s Favorite Childhood Memory: Being allowed to sit in the Judgment Hall as a small child of five, watching his father rule.

King Dalan’s Biggest Fear: Echoes. Yes, it’s been proven that they are as normal and human as anyone else. But, still….

King Dalan’s Biggest Regret: That Queen Lena died so young.

King Dalan’s Greatest Wish: To live to see the day that Princess Rylie rules with grace and success.

If you could ask King Dalan a question, what would it be?