Crown of Steel

Prince Harris Penn has studied the contents of the family library. He's watched and listened to his father decide the affairs of his subjects but the old kings in the library did so much more than his father did. Was it just the times of peace? "Father, when will you teach me what I should know to become king?" he asks."When I die, you will be king. What more is there to know?" Was the reply. It wasn't much of an answer.
Harris's question did, however, prompt the king to take some action. He fostered his son with the neighboring king to the south. The trip to the kingdom of Carolinas was the first time Prince Harris had been beyond the confines of the town that lay outside the palace gates. It was the first time for a great many things in Harris's life. Harris learned quickly, though, and within a couple years, he had trained his own warhorse and he was a corporal in his foster father's army.
One day, his post was raided but the attack was unusually aggressive, and yet, they only did as much damage as they needed to in order to accomplish their task - find Penn. Fortunately for Harris, he was out on patrol that night. This occurrence caused Harris some concern. Who would be searching for him and why? Once again, Harris had questions. The attack came from the desert to their south, but it was so unlike them.
They were honorable opponents and fair in all things. Who better to ask for the answer to this new question?Harris didn't get his answer from the desert nomads. Instead, he got an army. The attack had impugned their honor; they would help Harris find out who was searching for him, and in so doing, cleanse their reputation. While Harris was learning about the desert Shapeshifters, his betrothed, Princess Kandice, was seeking another fairytale - Truthsayers - said to live near the sea.
It is said that none could lie while in their presence. Her search was futile - after a fashion. Kandice found no sign of said creatures - it was fortunate that they found her. Suddenly, Harris had a most unusual army. He needed one for his enemy was everywhere and nowhere. While he searched, Harris learned many things. He learned about his country. He learned about his family. And he learned how to be a strong king.
In the end, he catches the bad guy and he marries his princess, but believe me, the journey was not as easy as it sounds.