Elizabeth
asked
Sebastien de Castell:
Based on descriptions in your books and some comments by Brasti, it seems like Kest is asexual. Is this something you intended with the character?
Sebastien de Castell
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[I'll answer as best I can, but keep in mind that my own philosophy is that author intention ceases to matter once the text is set (i.e. once the book is published.) In other words, your interpretation of the text is just as valid as my own.
With that said, my sense of Kest is that his love for Falcio goes beyond friendship or brotherhood or even romantic desire. At some point he simply realized he was going to commit his life to protecting Falcio and would sacrifice any attempt at other relationships that might get in the way of that endeavour. Being Kest, he never lets himself think about why that is, and because he isn't the kind of person to ask "what if?" – he deals only with what is and not what might otherwise be – he never gives us enough to go on to imagine what he might do if the situation was different.
So, is he asexual? Within the context of the Greatcoats Quartet, the answer is yes. The real question (to which even I don't have the answer), is whether he will remain so in future.
Hope that helps!
Sebastien (hide spoiler)]
With that said, my sense of Kest is that his love for Falcio goes beyond friendship or brotherhood or even romantic desire. At some point he simply realized he was going to commit his life to protecting Falcio and would sacrifice any attempt at other relationships that might get in the way of that endeavour. Being Kest, he never lets himself think about why that is, and because he isn't the kind of person to ask "what if?" – he deals only with what is and not what might otherwise be – he never gives us enough to go on to imagine what he might do if the situation was different.
So, is he asexual? Within the context of the Greatcoats Quartet, the answer is yes. The real question (to which even I don't have the answer), is whether he will remain so in future.
Hope that helps!
Sebastien (hide spoiler)]
More Answered Questions
Joe
asked
Sebastien de Castell:
My brother showed me your book (Traitor's Blade) a couple of years ago. He picked it up because it sounded good. I finally bought a copy and I'm on page 58 having just started today. I just wanted to tell you that it's damn good. Your writing is excellent and the dialogue is stellar. Right out of the gate you've endeared me to the main characters. I've ordered the next two already. When's the movie?
Eve
asked
Sebastien de Castell:
Hi Sebastien! I hope you're well - just two quick quarantine-induced questions (seeing as I've already reread Traitor's Blade in English and in French!) First, which of your books is coming next, and when? I can't wait but different sites are telling me different things! Second, do you happen to know exactly where to find The Red Lily, because I've not been able to find it on your site. All the best from Scotland :)
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