Buckeep as a symbol of authority
Buckeep is the royal castle, which symbolizes authority. The royal family lives in the castle, and every person living in the kingdom must follow the commands that come from Buckeep castle. Despite his tribulations, Fitz gets an opportunity to grow around the castle, and he learns how to be an assassin and later works under Chade.
The symbolism of irresponsibility
Chivalry is a symbol of irresponsibility. After siring Fitz out of wedlock, the reader expects Chivalry to take full responsibility for his son. Instead, he delegates the parental responsibility to the boy's grandfather, who is already old, and at some point, he gets tired. When the grandfather brings the boy and drops him off at the guards at the palace gates, the boy is taken care of by Burrich, Chivalry's stableman. When Fitz goes through humiliation and mistreatment, Chivalry does not stand up for him.
King Shrewd is a symbol of humanity.
The author figuratively uses King Shrewd to represent humanity. Despite every person in the royal family lamenting against the presence of Fitz, the King realizes that Fitz is a human being and should be allowed to live in the palace. The King’s decision is not received well by the Queen and her two children, Regal and Princes Verity. Queen Desire and her two children devise a plan to dispose of Fitz, but the King refuses to grant the order. Instead, the King says that the boy will be under his watch. Therefore, the King demonstrates he is wise and humane.
