Simon Bartholomew Faasa: The Marked Prince Turned King

Overview

Simon Bartholomew Faasa is a secondary character in Emily McIntire's Scarred, the second book of the Never After series. He is introduced as a young orphan boy secretly living in the castle of Gloria Terra, later revealed to be the bastard son of the late King Miguel III (also called Michael Faasa III). By the novel's epilogue, seven years after the main events, Tristan Faasa abdicates the throne and crowns Simon as the rightful king, ending the story with his ascent to power. Simon serves as a living symbol of hidden truths, inherited legacy, and the possibility of redemption through genuine care.

Plot Role

Simon's role is primarily as a hidden heir—a vulnerable figure who tests the morality of both Tristan and Sara. He appears in several chapters as a child learning swordplay and ethics from Tristan, often acting as a mirror for Tristan's own suppressed humanity. Simon also becomes a catalyst for Sara's protective instincts and a point of tension between her and Tristan. In the denouement, his coronation resolves the question of legitimate succession and allows Tristan to step away from the crown, fulfilling a promise to protect both Simon and Gloria Terra.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Simon is motivated by a desire for belonging and strength. Growing up in secrecy, he feels confined: in one scene he complains, "I never get permission to go anywhere" (Chapter 42). He seeks validation from Tristan, whom he clearly loves and emulates. Simon shows bravery when he stands before Sara's uncle Rafael with a drawn sword and declares, "I am the king" (Chapter 29) — a bold act for a child, revealing both his courage and his longing to live up to the title. He is also perceptive: he notices that people are "afraid to hurt him" and wonders if being feared himself would help him gain respect (Chapter 22). Tristan's mentoring shapes Simon into someone who values strategy over brute force, echoing the lesson "be like water" (Chapter 29).

Chronological Arc

Simon's arc moves from hidden orphan to acknowledged king. Early in the story, he is presented as a secret kept within the castle—Tristan and Paul (his caretaker) guard his existence because his amber eyes match King Michael's, and exposure would mean chaos. Over time, Tristan teaches Simon swordsmanship, while Sara adds warmth and encouragement. In the epilogue (Chapter 63 of the outline), seven years after the main plot, Tristan announces Simon as "the son of King Miguel III, the rightful heir." Sara presents a family sword, and Tristan places his crown on Simon's head, officially making him king of Gloria Terra.

Relationships

Tristan Faasa: Simon looks up to Tristan as a mentor and father figure. Tristan teaches him how to wield a sword and imparts the philosophy of being "smarter, not stronger" (Chapter 42). Simon's love for Tristan is evident when he drops his sword to run and hug him. Tristan, in turn, protects Simon's secret and ultimately abdicates for him.

Sara B.: Sara treats Simon with affection and respect, calling him "little lion" (a term she also uses for Tristan) and correcting him when needed. She teaches him the water philosophy. Simon defends Sara by confronting her uncle Rafael, showing loyalty.

King Michael (Miguel III): Michael is Simon's biological father, but they have no relationship because Michael died before the story. Simon's existence is a threat to Michael's reign, so he was hidden.

Rafael Beatreaux: Simon meets Rafael in Chapter 29 and immediately identifies him as a potential threat. He points his sword at Rafael and demands respect. Rafael later calls Simon "little lion" and "príncipe marcado" (marked prince), hinting at his awareness of Simon's heritage.

Key Decisions and Consequences

1. Tristan's decision to keep Simon hidden – Protects the boy from political assassination but also isolates him. This sets up Simon's yearning for freedom and identity.
2. Tristan teaching Simon to be "like water" – Shapes Simon into a resilient, adaptable leader rather than a vengeful one.
3. Simon's decision to stand up to Rafael – Demonstrates his budding courage and earns him a degree of recognition as a potential heir.
4. Tristan's abdication – Represents the resolution of the succession crisis. By naming Simon king, Tristan ensures the Faasa bloodline continues without himself. The consequence is that Simon must now rule a kingdom that knows little about him.
5. Sara's decision to protect Simon – Deepens her bond with Tristan and commits her to a future in Gloria Terra, despite her original plan of revenge.

Theme and Symbol Connections

Revenge and Vengeance – Simon is an innocent caught in the family feud between the Faasas and the Beatreauxs. His existence complicates the revenge narrative; Sara must decide whether to harm him as part of her vendetta.

Power and Control – Simon's hidden identity underscores how the Faasa family controls information to maintain power. His emergence as king symbolizes a transfer of control from Tristan's ruthless pragmatism to a new, untainted ruler.

Forbidden Desire and Obsession – While not directly involved in romance, Simon is a product of a forbidden union (the king's bastard). His presence reminds Tristan of his father's transgressions and his own obsessive protectiveness.

Deception and Truth – Simon's entire childhood is a lie. The truth of his lineage, once revealed, dismantles the old regime and paves the way for a new order.

Sacrifice and Devotion – Tristan sacrifices his crown for Simon's future. Sara sacrifices her hatred to become a maternal figure for him. Simon's devotion to both is clear in his actions.

Book-Specific Questions and Answers

1. Who is Simon Bartholomew Faasa's biological father?
   He is the son of King Miguel III (Michael Faasa III), making him a direct heir to the throne of Gloria Terra (Chapter 63 outline).

2. Why is Simon kept hidden in the castle?
   Because his existence as a bastard son with the king's amber eyes would cause political turmoil. As Tristan notes, if the news spread, "chaos would follow" (Chapter 42).

3. What does "be like water" mean in Simon's training?
   It is a philosophy taught by both Sara and Tristan. Sara explains that water is "the most powerful element in the world—calm when necessary and fierce when tempted" (Chapter 29). Simon applies this to sword fighting and likely to life, learning fluidity over rigidity.

4. How does Simon react when meeting Rafael Beatreaux?
   He immediately positions himself in front of Sara, raises his sword at Rafael, and declares, "I am the king" (Chapter 29), showing both protective instinct and a premature claim to his future title.

5. What happens to Simon at the end of the story?
   Seven years after the main events, Tristan steps down as king and publicly introduces Simon as the rightful heir. Sara presents him with a family heirloom sword, and Tristan places his crown on Simon's head, crowning him the one true king (Chapter 63 outline).

For further exploration, see the character's book overview, the ending explained, and related themes: Revenge and Vengeance, Power and Control, Forbidden Desire and Obsession, Deception and Truth, and Sacrifice and Devotion. You may also visit the questions and answers page for more.