Introducing the Characters from Crystals of Ulstra


An illustration of Lazuro, an entitled prince from Kastelspajro. He is a POV character in Crystals of Ulstra, a queer epic fantasy novel by Bradley Bowen.
Lazuro
(Artwork by Frejj)

When I started drafting Crystals of Ulstra, I was convinced that Rego Aglo—the mad king who declares war on magic—was the story’s main antagonist. Then I met Lazuro. He is an entitled, arrogant royal prince who competes with his twin brother Cartrezo for power, influence, and the affection of their mother, Queen Espera. There is nothing more in the world Lazuro desires than his father’s crown resting atop his own head—and his unbridled ambition could result in world-changing consequences.

You’ll encounter his POV for the first time in Crystals of Ulstra, though Lazuro’s unabashed aspirations stretch across the planned Ulstra trilogy.


An Interview with Lazuro

Highlights from an interview with Lazuro Aglo, Prince of Kastelspajro
Transcribed by Melodia Kriketo, reporter at the Scion of Ulstra

When and where were you born?

Twenty years ago in Kastelspajro—specifically, the castle’s birthing hall.

Tell us about your relationship with your family.

My father is Rego Aglo, the King of Ulstra; naturally, my mother is Queen Espera. I am closer with her than I am with my father. My twin brother is Prince Cartrezo—we are family, but I wouldn’t claim that we’re friends.

What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I patronize the theater—in the royal box, of course. I love tragedies and political dramas most. I read on occasion, mostly history, but sometimes I enjoy something with a bit of romance. My father insisted I learn fencing.

Do you like to travel?

Besides trips across the water to Calida, I’ve seldom left the castle walls.

Do you have any prized possessions?

Yes—more than I care to list for you. But there’s a brooch that was gift from my mother bearing the mark of a phoenix. I cherish it the most.

What is your favorite meal?

Most of them happen in the royal dining rooms, prepared by the finest Kuiristo in all of Ulstra. Some of my favorites are ivory fennel soup, gold-flaked moonbeam squash filled with pine nut cream, and coconut custard.

Have you ever been in love?

Next question.

What are your political beliefs?

I defer the question to Veziro Taguno. He is authorized to answer for me.

What is your biggest fear?

This isn’t for print, mind you. My biggest fear is that I’ll never be king.

What’s something you wish more people understood about you?

I’m a person, just like everyone else. There isn’t much that truly separates me. I simply possess wealth and power exceeding their comprehension.


What did you think of your introduction to Prince Lazuro? Stay tuned to the blog for even more characters who will be revealed in coming weeks.


Leave a Reply

The book cover for Crystals of Ulstra, a queer epic fantasy novel by Bradley Bowen. It features an illustration of the main character Koralo over a backdrop of a eucalypt forest.

Crystals of Ulstra

An epic fantasy tale with a queer-normative sensibility, Crystals of Ulstra is the first book in the Ulstra trilogy.

Meet the Author

Bradley Bowen is a Colorado-based writer, digital fundraiser, and author of the queer fantasy epic Crystals of Ulstra.