First published 2002
Jemmy serves as Prince Malandrin's whipping boy in the royal palace. When the prince acts up or fails his lessons, Jemmy receives the punishment instead. The orphan boy cannot read or write, but he learns quickly that palace life means constant beatings for crimes he never committed. Jemmy grows bitter about this arrangement until circumstances force him and the spoiled prince to flee the castle together. Outside the protected walls, the two boys must rely on each other to survive. The prince discovers he needs Jemmy's street smarts, while Jemmy sees past the royal brat to find a lonely boy much like himself. Their shared adventure transforms enemies into allies. What begins as resentment between servant and master becomes genuine friendship built on mutual respect and understanding.
Genres: fiction, adventure, coming-of-age
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Royal Palace
Period: 19th-century
112 pages · Library Binding · Turtleback Books: A Division of Sanval
Content warnings: abuse, physical-abuse