The Empyrean Seriesthrows Navarre into a war against the venin, andI thinkIron Flamehas set the stage for a new king to rise when the dust settles. King Tauri is Navarre’s leader whenFourth Wingopens, and his reign is marked by deceit and corruption. Navarre’s leadership problems become undeniable bythe ending ofIron Flame,and it’s thanks to their secrets they suffer so many losses throughout the book. There’s work to do when it comes to defeating the venin and fixing Navarre’s government. This could mean new military leaders, as well as a new king.
We don’t see much of King Tauri in Rebecca Yarros' first twoEmpyrean Seriesbooks, but it’s clear he’s an unworthy leader. He knows about the threats lurking outside Navarre’s wards, yet he keeps these secrets from his own people. He’s also the one who orders the deaths of the Tyrrish rebellion’s leaders, commanding that they be killed in front of their own children. King Tauri doesn’t need many scenes to get across the fact that he’s cruel and corrupt. Fortunately, I think Yarros' series is paving the way for a more deserving king to take the throne.
I Think Iron Flame Set The Stage For Aaric To Become Navarre’s New King
Aaric Is King Tauri’s Son & A More Worthy Leader
Given King Tauri’s lies,it’s difficult to see him remaining king at the end ofThe Empyrean Series.And without any talent on the battlefield, I’m doubtful that he’ll survive the rest of Yarros' series. It’s likely some of Navarre’s leaders will perish during the war to come, and that could leave a vacant throne. Assuming his entire family is attacked, King Tauri and his eldest son could perish duringOnyx Stormor a later sequel. This would be one way for Yarros to shake things up. Plus, it would leave an obvious heir to Navarre’s throne.
I Really Hope My Worst Suspicions About This Fourth Wing Character Are Wrong
I can’t shake the fact that one character is hiding something in Iron Flame, but I hope Rebecca Yarros’ next Fourth Wing sequel proves me wrong.
Even if Navarre’s leaders are targeted, King Tauri’s youngest son likely won’t be present.Iron Flameintroduces Cam Tauri during Conscription Day, when he disguises himself as Aaric Greycastle to join the Riders Quadrant. Cam’s father has no idea what he’s up to, as he believes he’s traveling across the kingdom. This would explain Cam’s absence during any attack on Navarre’s leadership, and it would make him difficult for the enemy to track down.If King Tauri dies, Cam will become the kingdom’s new leader— and Yarros is setting him up to be a better one than his father.
Why Cam Tauri Would Make A Great Leader After The Empyrean Series Is Over
His Time In The Riders Quadrant & Morals Make Him Better Equipped To Lead
Cam becoming Navarre’s next king would make sense of hisIron Flamestoryline, which quickly proves he’d make a better leader than his father. Cam reveals that he knows the truth about the venin duringIron Flame,and he goes out of his way to help Violet uncover more about the wards. Cam doesn’t approve of the secrets Navarre’s leaders are keeping, and this means he’s unlikely to continue the corruption destroying his father’s kingdom. If Cam keeps his morals throughoutThe Empyrean Series,I think he’ll make a fine leader when it’s over.
Cam’s time as Aaric Greycastle will give him a better understanding of the people he’d be serving and commanding as king.
Additionally, Cam’s time as Aaric Greycastle will give him a better understanding of the people he’d be serving and commanding as king. King Tauri doesn’t interact much with the dragon riders, nor does he get a firsthand look at the struggles of the ordinary people he rules over. By joining the Riders Quadrant,Cam gets to see and interact with the people who would become his subjects. This will leave him better equipped to do right by them as king. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a leader with combat experience and a dragon.
There’s 1 Problem With My Theory About Navarre’s Next King
Cam Tauri Has To Survive Rebecca Yarros' Series First
I’m fairly certain Yarros is setting up a bigger story for Cam Tauri in futureFourth Wingsequels, but one thing makes me question my theory about him.Yarros is pretty cutthroat when it comes tokillingFourth Wing’s characters, and the members of the Riders Quadrant are constantly putting their lives on the line. For Cam to take the throne at the end ofThe Empyrean Series,he’ll need to survive his time at Basgiath War College — and the coming war between Navarre and the venin.
Knowing the stakes of Yarros' world, this won’t be an easy feat. While Violet’s close friends have been fortunate throughout the first fewEmpyrean Seriesbooks, they face a lot of losses during their time at Basgiath. I’m hoping that Cam won’t join the list of deceased characters inThe Empyrean Series, as he has a lot of potential as king. Only time will tell if this is the route Yarros chooses to go with him, but there’s got to be some reason for introducing his character inIron Flame.
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
