One of the themes I constantly return to, whether I’m writing romance or fantasy, is the question: What truly makes a good ruler?
In my daily life, I’ve always been fascinated by government and policy. In my writing, I find that medieval India provides the perfect “laboratory” to explore these ideas. Setting my stories in this era—specifically emulating the rich culture and laws of the 9th to 11th centuries—allows me to examine leadership and the “human heart in conflict” without the interference of modern political biases.
Medieval India possessed such complex layers of governance that it creates a fantastic playing field for my characters. This is why my protagonists are often of royal blood; it places them at the intersection of love, duty, and the ultimate test of character. I love placing these characters in difficult situations to see how they learn to survive and lead, even when their own power is fragile.
For me, a great leader must be able to sacrifice their own desires for the good of the kingdom. We see this struggle throughout the Prophesied Prince trilogy as Prince Atul grapples with his identity and the weight of his future. He follows in the footsteps of his mother, Meera, from the Land of Magadha series, who had to choose between her heart and her land.
I’d love to hear from you: If you could choose just one quality for a leader to have, what would it be? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
Anna Bushi 