AN: I have an explanation for this, I promise...

Okay, my only explanation is that I fell down a rabbit hole of political intrigue YA stories that jam an enormous list of who's who in the opening pages of the book. So I decided to do the same, partly because I shifted a lot of allegiances and relationships around and I needed it for myself :D.

Okay, without further ado, here's the next installment in Beast! (Next chapter is where the story begins, I promise...).

The Book of Names:

(In Order of Rank)

Pharaoh Aknamkanon (deceased) - the former Pharaoh of Egypt, who was met with scandal in the court after it was revealed his mysterious wife was a lion demon and who died of a broken heart after her death. Father of the Red Beast, twin of Lord Aknadin, and paternal adoptive uncle to Prince Seth.

First Queen Khepri (deceased) - Pharaoh Aknamkanon's wife and the Red Beast's mother. She was a lion demon who took the form of a human to seduce the Pharaoh, but died giving birth to their child together, the firstborn prince, and her labor pains revealed her identity.

Lord Regent Aknadin - the current ruler of Egypt, taking over from his twin brother until Prince Seth is officially crowned, which has been met with heavy opposition as Lord Aknamkanon's son is technically next in line. Prince Seth is his apprentice and declared heir, and the Red Beast is his nephew.

Grand Vizier Siamun Muran - The Grand Vizier of Egypt and Aknadin's cousin. He is the only royal family member who regularly visits the Red Beast in his sanctum, and he often pushes for things to make the first prince's captivity more bearable. He is Maahad's master and teacher in magic.

Prince Seth - the apprentice of Lord Regent Aknadin and his heir. There is opposition for his right to the throne because the Red Beast is the Pharaoh's son by blood while he is adopted. He is the son of a palace guard killed in battle whose village was destroyed by slave traders. He offered Kisara a place to work at the palace after he came across her village attempting to stone her for her unusual looks.

The Red Beast - the firstborn and only son of Pharaoh Aknamkanon, who is half lion demon and has a beastly form. He was passed over for kingship because of this, since if he were king, this, and the Pharaoh's relationship with a demon, would be revealed publicly. He is kept secluded from everyone in a sanctum on the palace grounds on the orders of Lord Aknadin, his uncle, and when he must leave this sanctum, he must don a robe and mask to avoid exposing his looks and be kept under heavy guard. The explanation for this for those not in the know is that he is too sickly to go out.

Lord Shada - Siamun Muran's son, the heir to the Grand Vizier position, and Prince Seth's best (and only) friend.

General Karim - Current lead general of Egypt's military. He is conflicted about keeping the Red Beast locked away but continues to follow Aknadin's orders on the matter for the safety of the country.

Lady Isis - The court prophetess and Shada's sister. Maahad appears to be quite fond of her.

Maahad - Siamun Muran's student, also appointed to be the Red Beast's constant companion and is the only one who knows what the first prince looks like beneath his mask. He appears to harbor an attraction to Lady Isis, but he doesn't push it because of his difference in rank from her.

Kisara - One of the hired girls at the palace who mentors Mana upon her arrival. She was born with unusually pale features that caused her to be mistreated by her home village. She harbors a deep affection for Prince Seth because he saved her from being stoned and gave her a job.

Teana - a serving girl fond of dancing and music and Mana's close friend in the palace.

Mana - a young girl kidnapped and sold to the palace for eighteen coins, hired to look after the Red Beast.