At the beginning of the novel, Alex is the 21-year-old son of the first female president of the United States. He is five foot nine and handsome, with dark, curly hair and brown eyes. Alex has ambitions to become a senator because he wants to make a positive difference in the world. Despite his gregarious temperament, Alex’s only close friends are June and Nora. His fascination with Henry began the first time he saw the prince’s picture, but Alex is repelled by Henry’s cold manner when they meet in person.

Alex himself is warm-hearted, frank, and used to charming his way through life. It takes him totally by surprise when he finds himself physically attracted to Henry and realizes that he is bisexual. Being more of an optimist by nature than Henry, Alex is convinced that the two of them can find a way to make a relationship work.

Henry is the youngest grandson of the Queen of England. He’s 23, tall, blond, and blue-eyed. His poise under all social situations makes him appear bland and unfeeling, but Henry has always known that he is gay and never imagined that he would be able to be his authentic self. He is frequently depressed by the role his family forces him to assume as a possible future heir to the throne.