The Spare Heir Series by Michael G. Southwick, Cindy Southwick

His every wish, his every dream, was that some day he could be like his older brothers. A valiant warrior, a champion among men, that's what Jorem wanted to be. To be respected by others and loved by his father the King.Faced with decisions that could affect an entire kingdom he must choose between the comforts of life in a castle and the grueling work of a blacksmith's servant. He'll do this, if not for his family, at least for the people the royal house should be serving... moreHis every wish, his every dream, was that some day he could be like his older brothers. A valiant warrior, a champion among men, that's what Jorem wanted to be. To be respected by others and loved by his father the King.Faced with decisions that could affect an entire kingdom he must choose between the comforts of life in a castle and the grueling work of a blacksmith's servant. He'll do this, if not for his family, at least for the people the royal house should be serving. In the refiners forge he discovers his own metal even when faced with the anger and contempt of a people who have come to distrust those of royal blood. Alone he may be, but through his determination and the wisdom gained from an old man Jorem stands his ground.He finds that becoming a man isn't about a title and prestige, sometimes it's just doing the right thing. less

DOUBLE! MOVE TO: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...After a year spent repaying a debt owed by his family he can now return home to his princely comforts, but the desires of his heart lie elsewhere. Changing both his appearance and his name Jorem goes in search of a new life. The chance to learn from one of the fiercest fighters ever known is not something to be taken lightly. Surely his training in sword work would give him an edge (good pun, right)... moreDOUBLE! MOVE TO: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...After a year spent repaying a debt owed by his family he can now return home to his princely comforts, but the desires of his heart lie elsewhere. Changing both his appearance and his name Jorem goes in search of a new life. The chance to learn from one of the fiercest fighters ever known is not something to be taken lightly. Surely his training in sword work would give him an edge (good pun, right). So how does he end up flat on his back with a sword to his throat? Can he learn to be a true warrior from a teacher with no patience and anger management issues?When the opportunity comes his way to join the guard Jorem finds reality far different from the glorious dreams of his youth. Friends he has found, some true and some not. Then there are the responsibilities he’s not sure he is ready for, royal blood or not. less

The coming war brings many changes to the kingdom, most of them bad. By order of the King Jorem must give up his secret identity as the soldier Rim and take up his true name to lead men on a mission aimed more to keep him out of the way than to accomplish anything. He must earn the trust of a people who have lost all at the order of his father, a people who still think of him as the spare... moreThe coming war brings many changes to the kingdom, most of them bad. By order of the King Jorem must give up his secret identity as the soldier Rim and take up his true name to lead men on a mission aimed more to keep him out of the way than to accomplish anything. He must earn the trust of a people who have lost all at the order of his father, a people who still think of him as the spare. When he finds himself faced with an enemy force out of his deepest nightmares, Prince Jorem will have to rely on the help of some unlikely heroes. Betrayal and deceit are just a few of the challenges coming his way. With the help of friends both new and old, Jorem will have to find a way to overcome not only the enemies’ secret army but the uncertainties and insecurities that come with a boy newly become a man. less