1. Alexei isn't exactly thrilled at the idea of having to be a prince, but Sophy thinks most people would enjoy it. Is she right? What does Alexei know that Sophy doesn't?
2. In spite of his friends at boarding school, Alexei has always felt something of an outsider in England. Why, then, is it so hard for him to think of giving up that life? What is he really losing? How would you feel if you had to give up the only life you've known?
3. Alexei and his parents have had a good relationship until the restoration. Besides their basic differences about wanting/not wanting the monarchy, what divides Alexei and his dad? Alexei and his mom?
4. When Alexei goes to his father about the photographers, they come very close to mending their relationship until the subject of Drummer comes up. But it's more than the loss of Drummer that drives Alexei's attack on deBatz and his frantic ride after deBatz shows him the photo album. What is Alexei trying to run away from as he rides across the countryside?
5. Alexei can't figure out why the Rovenian people want a monarchy. He doesn't understand the demand for photos and newspaper stories, why crowds of people wait to catch a glimpse of him. Why are people fascinated by royalty? Can a modern constitutional monarchy--with no political power--have a positive impact on a country?
6. The day of the arrival in Rovenia is an emotional rollercoaster for Alexei. How do his feelings change throughout the day? Afterward, what moments do you think he will remember most clearly and why?
7. Alexei says of deBatz "For someone opposed to the monarchy, he has a pretty strong sense of his own nobility." Why is deBatz's family position so important to him? Why was he opposed to the monarchy?
8. When Alexei meets Isabelle, he is aware of her true nature, yet he is still drawn to her. Why does he go along with her? How hard would it be to resist this kind of temptation? What other temptations would be part of a privileged lifestyle like Alexei's?
9. When Sophy finds out Isabelle's plans to take Alexei away from his birthday celebrations, she shows him the tabloid story in an effort to keep him from going with Isabelle, even though she knows how much it will hurt him. Does she go too far? Would you risk hurting a friend in order to help them?
10. Why do you think Sophy really left?
11. Could Alexei's parents have prepared him better for his role? How? Should they have been able to foresee or prevent the shooting?
12. Think about the events that lead up to the shooting. Could Alexei have done anything differently to avoid the shooting? Or was he too caught up in his own feelings to understand the impression he was making?
13. DeBatz tells Alexei about the committee meeting at the end in order to give Alexei the choice he never had, to continue being a prince or go back to a normal life. Why does he do this? Why does Alexei feel he has to speak to the committee in person? What do you think he says to the committee?
14. Alexei refers to the monarchy and the restoration as a fairy tale. Can you think of any fairy tales that parallel this story or parts of this story? How?

You may print out and copy this guide as long as copyright credit is maintained.