Ashes and Endings

In a world ravaged by disaster, Danny and Emily Jakes face the end of everything they know. As fire encroaches on their Montana farm, they bury their most precious possessions—a wedding ring, a photograph, a symbol of their love—hoping for a future that may never come. Their devotion, even in the face of annihilation, becomes a testament to the enduring power of love and hope, setting the emotional tone for the generations to come. Their story, though brief, lingers as a whisper through the centuries, a reminder that even in desolation, love is the most essential thing.

A Divided Kingdom

Two centuries later, the Kingdom of Enderlin stands as a fragile society rebuilt from the ashes. King Davin, young and idealistic, struggles to bridge the gap between the privileged ruling class and the working class. His innovative ideas—like advanced transporters—are met with skepticism and resistance, especially when they threaten the status quo. The Council of Essentials, once a force for equality, now enforces a rigid hierarchy. Davin's reign is precarious, his popularity low, and the pressure to conform to tradition immense. The kingdom's wounds from Desolation have healed on the surface, but deep divides remain.

The Unlikely Encounter

On a weary journey, Davin and Emree—strangers from opposite worlds—are thrown together by a simple mistake at an inn. Believing she's with her boyfriend, Emree shares an intimate, passionate moment with Davin before realizing the truth. Their awkward, hilarious, and electric encounter leaves both unsettled and intrigued. Neither knows the other's identity, but the spark between them is undeniable. This chance meeting, born of confusion, plants the seeds for a connection that will challenge the boundaries of class, duty, and destiny.

The Promenade Dilemma

Back in Enderlin, Davin faces mounting pressure to restore his reputation by participating in the Promenade—a week-long event where sixty ruling-class women vie for his hand in marriage. His mother, Queen Arillia, insists it's the only way to save his crown. Meanwhile, Emree, ambitious and bright but from the working class, applies to be the Promenade Director. Their paths cross again in a tense, comedic interview, where both recognize each other from the inn. Davin, captivated by Emree's wit and spirit, defies expectations and hires her, setting the stage for a collision of personal longing and public expectation.

Ambition and Approval

As Emree throws herself into organizing the Promenade, she battles her own insecurities and the kingdom's prejudices. Davin, meanwhile, struggles to win the people's approval, haunted by the legacy of his beloved, flawless father. Every project, every decision is scrutinized. The Promenade becomes a spectacle, a desperate attempt to prove his worth. Yet, beneath the surface, Davin and Emree's professional relationship deepens into friendship, fueled by shared values and a mutual love of books. Their growing bond is a quiet rebellion against the roles they're expected to play.

Working-Class Dreams

Emree's dreams are simple yet radical: to create a book exchange for working-class children, to be valued for her mind, and to find a love that puts her first. Her relationship with Portlend, her childhood sweetheart and now a soldier, is steady but unfulfilling—marked by his ambition and her longing for more. As she navigates the castle's social labyrinth, Emree finds kinship with Millar, Davin's loyal guard, and discovers that her own worth is not defined by her class. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the courage to want more.

The Press and the Prince

The Promenade's opening brings a media frenzy. Davin, coached by Emree, faces the newswriters' relentless questions about his failures and his intentions. His candid defense of educational reform and his empathy for the working class surprise everyone—including Emree, who finds herself unexpectedly moved. The press, however, is merciless, and every misstep is amplified. The tension between public image and private reality intensifies, as both Davin and Emree realize that authenticity comes at a cost.

Bookish Bonds

Amidst the chaos, Davin and Emree's clandestine book club becomes their sanctuary. They exchange novels, notes, and recommendations, using literature as a language for their unspoken feelings. Through stories of rebellion, love, and sacrifice, they reveal their hopes and fears. The intimacy of their literary connection deepens their emotional bond, blurring the lines between friendship and something more. Each book becomes a metaphor for their own journey, and the act of sharing stories becomes an act of trust and vulnerability.

Old Flames, New Sparks

Emree's reunion with Portlend is bittersweet. Their relationship, once full of promise, now feels hollow. Portlend's ambition and emotional distance leave Emree yearning for a love that is passionate and mutual. Meanwhile, Davin is pushed toward Patrice Kenson, a ruling-class favorite and his mother's choice for queen. The Promenade's parade of eligible women only highlights the emptiness of tradition without true connection. Both Davin and Emree are forced to confront what they truly want—and what they're willing to risk to have it.

The Promenade Begins

The Promenade unfolds as a week of orchestrated dates, public performances, and private doubts. Davin goes through the motions, charming the women and the press, but his heart isn't in it. Emree, orchestrating every detail, watches from the sidelines, her feelings for Davin growing despite herself. The tension between duty and desire becomes unbearable, as both are forced to play roles that deny their true selves. The Promenade, meant to unite the kingdom, only exposes its fractures.

A Week of Pretenses

Each day of the Promenade brings new farcical dates, awkward encounters, and mounting pressure. Davin's interactions with the women are stilted and uninspired, while his moments with Emree are charged with unspoken longing. The press speculates about his connection with Patrice, and the kingdom watches, hungry for a fairy-tale ending. Emree's jealousy and self-doubt intensify, especially as she witnesses Davin's public closeness with Patrice. Both are trapped by expectations, unable to confess their feelings or break free from the roles assigned to them.

Fairy Tales and Realities

The exchange of fairy tales between Davin and Emree becomes a mirror for their own desires and disappointments. Emree's favorite stories—of princes, love, and happy endings—contrast sharply with the reality of her life. Davin, reading her cherished book, begins to see the world through her eyes. Their shared literary language becomes a lifeline, but also a source of pain, as they realize that real life is messier and more complicated than any story. The safe, predictable love Emree has with Portlend pales in comparison to the radical, risky love she feels for Davin.

The Safe's Secret

The Promenade's climax arrives with the opening of the pre-Desolation safe. Inside, Davin and Patrice find the relics of Danny and Emily Jakes—a wedding ring, a photograph, and a letter. The letter's message is simple and profound: love and family are the only things that matter. The story of Danny and Emily, who chose each other even as the world burned, resonates deeply with Davin and Emree. It becomes a catalyst, forcing them to confront their own fears and desires. The safe's secret is not gold or silver, but the courage to choose love over convention.

Love and Sacrifice

The aftermath of the safe's opening is a turning point. Emree, overwhelmed by her feelings and the impossibility of her situation, ends her relationship with Portlend. She realizes that she cannot settle for a love that is convenient but incomplete. Davin, emboldened by Danny's letter, confesses his love to Emree. Their mutual confession is passionate and raw, but the reality of their circumstances quickly intrudes. The laws of Enderlin forbid their union, and the risk of scandal and exile looms large. Both must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for love.

The Breaking Point

At the Promenade ball, Davin shocks the kingdom by publicly choosing Emree as his queen, defying tradition and the ruling class. The hall erupts in outrage; the high rulers threaten a public revote, and Davin's mother, desperate to protect her son, orchestrates Emree's exile. Emree is whisked away under false pretenses, forced to abandon Davin for his own good. Both are left devastated—Davin facing political ruin, Emree alone and heartbroken in a distant province. Their love, once a source of hope, now seems to be the cause of their undoing.

The King's Gamble

As the high rulers force a new election, Davin must choose between fighting for his crown or pursuing the woman he loves. He campaigns honestly, sharing his vision for a more just and inclusive Enderlin, and refusing to hide his love for Emree. The kingdom is divided; the press is relentless. Emree, meanwhile, builds her book exchange in exile, clinging to the hope that Davin will find her. Both are tested by loneliness, doubt, and the weight of their choices. The outcome of the election will determine not only the fate of the kingdom, but the possibility of their future together.

Exile and Election

In Dakotaland, Emree pours her heart into her book exchange, serving the children she once dreamed of helping. She is haunted by memories of Davin, uncertain if he will ever return. The election looms, and the kingdom holds its breath. Davin, after weeks of uncertainty and public scrutiny, wins the revote by a narrow margin—thanks in part to the support of the working class, inspired by his choice of Emree. With his crown secure, Davin wastes no time in seeking out the woman he loves, determined to reclaim the happiness they both deserve.

Reunion and Renewal

Davin finds Emree in her bookshop, and their reunion is tender, joyful, and full of promise. He proposes with the ring from the safe—a symbol of enduring love across generations. Emree, finally free to choose her own happiness, accepts. Together, they vow to build a kingdom where love, not class, is the most essential thing. Their story, once shaped by loss and longing, becomes a new fairy tale—one where courage, authenticity, and hope prevail. The rejected king is rejected no more, and the kingdom of Enderlin is forever changed.

Characters

Davin Parkins

Davin is the young, earnest King of Enderlin, burdened by the legacy of his beloved father and the impossible expectations of his people. Intelligent, innovative, and compassionate, he dreams of a more just society but is hampered by tradition and class prejudice. Davin's psychological struggle is rooted in his need for approval and his fear of failure. His relationship with his mother is loving but fraught with pressure. Davin's connection with Emree awakens his authentic self, challenging him to risk everything for love. Over the course of the story, he evolves from a hesitant, insecure ruler to a courageous leader willing to defy convention for what truly matters.

Emree Dutson

Emree is a bright, determined young woman from the working class, defined by her intelligence, wit, and longing for belonging. Her ambition is tempered by self-doubt, and her relationship with Portlend is a safe harbor that ultimately proves unsatisfying. Emree's psychological journey is one of self-acceptance and the courage to demand more—from herself, from love, and from society. Her bond with Davin is transformative, allowing her to envision a life beyond the limitations of her birth. Emree's resilience, empathy, and authenticity make her both a catalyst for change and a symbol of hope for the kingdom.

Queen Arillia Parkins

Queen Arillia is a complex figure—loving, pragmatic, and fiercely protective of her son. She embodies the tension between tradition and progress, supporting Davin's ambitions while fearing the consequences of defying societal norms. Her actions, especially in exiling Emree, are driven by love but also by a desire for control and security. Arillia's arc is one of painful growth, as she learns to let go and trust her son's judgment, ultimately supporting his choice and embracing a new vision for the kingdom.

Portlend Ricks

Portlend is Emree's childhood sweetheart, a steady and ambitious officer in the king's guard. He represents the safe, conventional path—reliable but emotionally unavailable, more committed to his career than to love. Portlend's inability to put Emree first exposes the limitations of a relationship built on habit rather than passion. His eventual acceptance of their breakup is mature but tinged with regret, highlighting the cost of choosing duty over intimacy.

Millar

Millar is Davin's personal guard and a subtle but important presence throughout the story. Loyal, perceptive, and quietly supportive, he serves as a confidant to both Davin and Emree. Millar's grounded perspective and gentle humor provide stability amid the chaos of court life. He represents the possibility of friendship and trust across class lines, and his unwavering support is instrumental in helping Davin and Emree navigate their challenges.

Patrice Kenson

Patrice is the beautiful, poised daughter of a high ruler and the Promenade's frontrunner. She is everything the kingdom expects in a queen—elegant, well-connected, and accustomed to privilege. Patrice's relationship with Davin is rooted in shared history but lacks genuine connection. Her disappointment at being passed over is real, but she ultimately serves as a foil to Emree, highlighting the difference between love chosen freely and love dictated by tradition.

Barry Kenson

Barry Kenson, Patrice's father, is a powerful and vocal opponent of Davin's progressive ideas. He embodies the entrenched interests of the ruling class, fiercely protective of his family's status and the kingdom's traditions. His outrage at Davin's choice of Emree is both personal and political, driving much of the conflict in the story.

Fennish Kemp

Fennish Kemp is a high ruler and family friend to Emree, instrumental in her journey to the castle. More open-minded than his peers, he advocates for Emree and supports Davin's vision for a more inclusive kingdom. Kemp's loyalty and wisdom provide a counterbalance to the rigidity of the other high rulers.

The Newswriters

The newswriters, especially Fiona Rudd, are both a chorus and a force in the narrative. They amplify the kingdom's anxieties, shape public perception, and hold Davin accountable. Their relentless scrutiny is a source of stress but also a catalyst for honesty and change.

Danny and Emily Jakes

Though their story is brief, Danny and Emily's love and sacrifice resonate across generations. Their buried safe and heartfelt letter become a touchstone for Davin and Emree, reminding them—and the kingdom—of what truly matters. They are the emotional heart of the novel, their legacy a beacon of hope.

Plot Devices

Mistaken Identity and Chance Encounter

The story's inciting incident—a mistaken night at an inn—serves as a classic romantic device, creating instant chemistry and a secret bond between Davin and Emree. This chance encounter, unknown to the world, becomes the foundation for their relationship and a source of tension as their true identities are revealed.

The Promenade as Social Theater

The Promenade is a narrative device that exposes the kingdom's class divisions and the emptiness of ritual without meaning. It provides a public arena for private longing, forcing characters to perform roles that conflict with their desires. The spectacle of the Promenade heightens the stakes and dramatizes the conflict between duty and authenticity.

Letters, Books, and Shared Stories

The exchange of books and notes between Davin and Emree is both a plot device and a symbol of their intimacy. Their book club allows them to communicate feelings they cannot express openly, and the stories they share become metaphors for their own journey. The letter from the safe, in particular, serves as a moment of foreshadowing and a catalyst for change.

The Pre-Desolation Safe

The safe, hidden for centuries, is a literal and figurative time capsule. Its contents—rings, photos, a letter—connect the present to the past, offering wisdom and perspective. The safe's opening is a pivotal moment, providing the emotional clarity Davin and Emree need to make their most difficult choices.

Public Scrutiny and the Power of the Press

The relentless attention of the newswriters and the kingdom's obsession with image create constant pressure for Davin and Emree. The media's role as both judge and amplifier of scandal drives much of the plot, forcing characters to confront the gap between public expectation and private truth.

Exile and Return

The forced separation of Davin and Emree—engineered by Queen Arillia—serves as the story's darkest moment. Their exile tests their love and resolve, while the eventual reunion provides catharsis and fulfillment. This classic device heightens the emotional stakes and underscores the theme of love's endurance.

Election and Social Change

The public revote, triggered by Davin's defiance, is both a plot device and a commentary on leadership. It forces Davin to choose between power and love, and it allows the kingdom to decide what kind of future it wants. The election's outcome is a referendum not just on Davin, but on the possibility of a more inclusive, compassionate society.

Analysis

Kortney Keisel's The Rejected King is a deft reimagining of the classic fairy tale, set in a post-apocalyptic world where love and class collide. At its heart, the novel is a meditation on authenticity—the courage to be true to oneself in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform. Through the intertwined journeys of Davin and Emree, Keisel explores the cost of tradition, the hunger for belonging, and the radical power of love to upend even the most entrenched systems. The story's use of books and letters as vehicles for intimacy is both charming and profound, highlighting the ways in which stories shape our understanding of ourselves and our world. The Promenade, with its spectacle and artifice, becomes a crucible for real emotion, forcing characters to confront what they truly value. Ultimately, The Rejected King is a hopeful, modern fable—one that insists that love, chosen freely and courageously, is the most essential thing of all. The novel's lesson is clear: happiness and justice require risk, and the future belongs to those who dare to imagine—and fight for—a better world.

Last updated: September 3, 2025