What the Crown Requires Playlist

31 August 2026

On a night like this, I want to stay forever...

Every Chapter Is a Song

I'll be the first to admit it: I'm not good at coming up with chapter titles. My brain tends to go blank, and the ones I do land on often feel lacking. So I made a quick decision to do the cliché thing and use song titles instead. I also love making playlists, so I thought — why not build one for this book and use the songs I leaned on while writing as the inspiration for each chapter?

Some fit better than others. Some I just liked listening to even when they didn't fit the theme at all; maybe the melody worked, if not the lyrics. Sometimes it was the whole package at once. Either way, I figured I'd share why each chapter is called what it is.

Chapter 1: Stranger in a Strange Land — 30 Seconds to Mars

Beyond the title, the song itself doesn't fit the chapter at all. But this chapter was a doozy to write, as most opening chapters of a new series are. So I dug through my thousands of songs — my playlists, my albums — until I finally found it. I hesitated, because, like I said, it doesn't fit in terms of what the song is actually about, and also because Jared Leto is a sore spot given the many things that have come to light about him over the decades.

I was a wild 30 Seconds to Mars fan back in my early twenties, far less so now. Still, the title was so perfect I couldn't just discard it. I kept coming back to it. Listened to it a few times, wished men weren't so disappointing because I still love Jared's voice, and then bit the bullet and gave the chapter the title anyway. I didn't look back. And besides — Imogen is a stranger in a strange land. Sorvaine is strange because it's entirely fictional, very loosely inspired by Monaco (but better), and I was so tired of staring at "Chapter 1: TBD" that I gave in. I'm actually happy with it!

Chapter 2: Fake Empire — The National

Another one that doesn't fit exactly right, but the title was too perfect to ignore. Julian rules a country that still belongs entirely to his ill father, and I kept thinking about that as I listened and wrote. Sorvaine gives off the impression that it isn't in a precarious, fragile situation — but a lot of that is bravado, from Julian's own behavior to who's actually ruling to what the country can and can't comfortably do. The rest is history.

Chapter 3: Gravity — Sara Bareilles

Julian and Imogen gravitate toward each other from the start. They're aware of each other even when they don't want to be. It might take them a long time to finally take the plunge, but the attraction was there, and real, from the very beginning. The song is about being pulled toward someone you can't have and shouldn't want. That's all there is to it — pretty basic as inspiration goes, but it fit, both the title and the song itself.

Chapter 4: Pure Shores — All Saints

This is the first song that fully outs me as the Millennial I am. I doubt many young people know All Saints or this song, but it was part of my childhood soundtrack. I was struggling to title this chapter — it's essentially "Gravity" from Julian's side — and then this song happened to show up as I scrolled through my library, and I went, "ah-ha." Sure enough, it did exactly what I wanted. The title, Pure Shores, reminds me of Sorvaine itself: a Mediterranean country with a beautiful coastline. And the lyrics speak of being pulled toward something, someone — of having something for the first time. It fit Julian to a T.

Chapter 5: Stay — Ariana Grande

A pretty self-explanatory title. This is the chapter where Julian officially asks Imogen to stay longer than she was supposed to (how about forever, the grandma in Mulan would chime in, if Julian's grandmother weren't a prim dowager princess with opinions). Even though Julian is the one asking, Imogen very much wanted to stay too.

Full disclosure again: the song I originally listened to while writing is actually Rihanna's "Stay," but then I heard this one a few weeks ago and went, "Yes." Thematically the two are similar enough that I didn't mind the swap. Attraction, a desire to become closer, a desire to stay. It's perfect.

Chapter 6: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother — The Hollies

This one is heavy, and it's right to be. Full disclosure: it makes me cry every time, and I definitely cried some more listening to it while writing. This is the first chapter where the strain between Julian and Lucien is visible — Lucien's unhappiness, Julian's guilt. Things are difficult between them, and will be for a while, but I hoped it was clear that Julian loves Lucien so much, so desperately, that it doesn't matter it feels like Lucien resents him a little right now. I needed a title to match that feeling, and this was the most obvious answer. It's a long, long road from which there is no return, indeed.

Chapter 7: This Must Be the Place — Talking Heads

A less heavy song than the last one. Imogen settling into her new life in Sorvaine; the place slowly becoming home. Hers. I can't say I was crazy about the song, but it's one of those chapters without an easy theme to pin down. It works, though.

Chapter 8: Sister — K.Flay

This song is obviously sung from the POV of one sister to another, but I liked it so much I couldn't help myself. This is Céline's chapter, her first introduction — the easiest bond Julian has. None of the baggage of his relationship with Lucien, or the physical distance with Nicolas, or the headache of wrangling Felix. The song is so positive, the bond transcending everything else, and I know Céline feels blessed to be Julian's sister. So it became the title.

Chapter 9: Good Enough — Little Mix

Another one that doesn't 100% fit, but this is the chapter where Imogen first realizes Isabelle is in the picture and what she represents. It's the first time she compares herself to another woman and doesn't like the feeling one bit — especially since she already feels out of place and lacking. Nothing Julian does makes her feel that way; it comes entirely from Imogen herself. But it's hard to find songs that carry that nuance, so I made do with what I had.

Chapter 10: Tongue Tied — Faber Drive

Ah, Julian, and his "you looked well." Silly man. Can govern like it's no big deal but can't give the woman he's attracted to a simple compliment without making it sound awful and stilted. That's where the title comes from. It's really as simple as that.

Chapter 11: Late Night Talking — Harry Styles

Again, pretty self-explanatory. A developing romance, many nights spent working together. Things happen. Feelings grow.

Chapter 12: I Know Places — Taylor Swift

When I first listened to this, it didn't feel like it fit. But then I actually listened and went, "whoa." I don't consider myself a Swiftie, but I'll be one of the first to admit her songs are great for playlists. The song speaks of a relationship that could be torn apart by scrutiny — just like Julian and Imogen's would be if they were found out — but there's a place they can hide. In this chapter, Julian takes Imogen up to the roof terrace and brings her further into his world.

Chapter 13: Carry That Weight — The Beatles

This is an Imogen chapter, but it's very much a Julian song. Simple song, simple message, but it fits. Here, Imogen starts to fully grasp what a burden Julian is shouldering — quietly, and without complaint.

Chapter 14: True — Spandau Ballet

Another chapter that was difficult to title, so I went with "True." Again, not a perfect fit, but it did the job.

Chapter 15: Nothing Else Matters — Metallica

The chapter where a lot of things start making sense to Imogen. Just the two of them on the road, talking it through. This is my favorite Metallica song (probably cringe or cliché, I don't know), and I was excited it felt right enough to use.

Chapter 16: In a Different Light — The Bangles

Again, pretty obvious. The romance is ramping up, the attraction palpable, the secrets gone. Things appear different under a light like that.

Chapter 17: Falling Into You — Céline Dion

You can't write a romance novel and not turn to Céline Dion for inspiration. I needed a song that made it clear Imogen is entering Julian's world fully — she knows his secrets, she's living under the same roof, she's learning his language now. This one came to me immediately, and it was perfect.

Chapter 18: Kiss Me — Sixpence None the Richer

Another song to out me as a '90s kid. It's a fun song, a happy song, about the best kind of kisses. Honestly, it was between this and Faith Hill's "This Kiss," but I went with this one because it had the exact feeling I wanted. There's something almost juvenile about it — which, for Julian, 32 and already overburdened, and Imogen, 27, felt beautiful in the best way.

Chapter 19: Morning Song — Jewel

Yet another chapter that was hard to title. I needed a "morning after" song and, well, ended up going with Jewel.

Chapter 20: On a Night Like This — Kylie Minogue

There are a lot of '90s and early 2000s songs here, I recognize that. I just can't help myself. This is the chapter (wink, wink), and I desperately wanted a song that captured the feeling. It also happens on the evening of the Fête, so I needed something that could do double duty. I'm lucky Kylie Minogue blessed us with this one so long ago. It does everything I needed: perfect title, perfect lyrics, perfect vibe.

Chapter 21: Us Against the World — Westlife

Is this the first boy band on the list? I think it is. The consequences of their actions — and maybe they weren't discreet at all. Julian leaving his own reception was a statement, after all. Isabelle knows. Constance knows. Lucien knows. Everyone knows, and everyone's wondering what they're doing. But they're in love and in each other's corner. That's all that matters, and that's what I needed for this title.

Chapter 22: Half Light — Athlete

The calm before the storm. Before everything goes wrong. I wanted a whimsically romantic song, and "Half Light" gave me exactly that.

Chapter 23: Fortress — Bear's Den

Another heavy song, and one of my favorites. I had it picked before I even needed it, because I knew how perfect it was for Julian in this moment — the moment he's confronted for his decisions, presented with an outcome, and expected to choose. His training, his upbringing, kicks in even as he wants to protect the woman he loves. Seriously my favorite Bear's Den song, and I was so happy I could give it to Julian.

Chapter 24: Let Me Down Slowly — Alec Benjamin

Imogen's song. The heartbreaking aftermath of Julian's decision. This one is about a relationship fading even as the person is still right there — exactly what Imogen felt she was going through.

Chapter 25: All I Need — Within Temptation

The breakup song. The walking-away song (other than "I'm Walking Away"). Another I had picked out immediately, because it fit Imogen's circumstances incredibly well.

Chapter 26: Forest Fire — Brighton

I struggled with this one. I wasn't sure whether to include it. It's a heartbreaking song, to be frank, and it represents both Rémi and Julian — especially Rémi, and his feelings toward his eldest son, and how he may or may not have failed him. Eventually I gave in, because the heaviness of this chapter deserved the heartache of this song. A father fully passing the torch to his son. Realizing he couldn't protect him for as long as he wanted to. Letting go of his child so he can grow beyond him.

Chapter 27: Say You Won't Let Go — James Arthur

This might feel a little too positive for the reconciliation chapter, but it worked in more ways than one. The title itself is perfect. The song, though, is about a relationship across the years and a life together — something I know both Julian and Imogen wanted. So it became the title. Just listen to it; you'll understand what I mean.

Chapter 28: Be My Queen — Seafret

A title that's a little on the nose. If you've read it — and I hope you have, because why else are you here? — you'll know. The proposal. Imogen might not become a queen (sovereign princess, thank you very much), but it still works perfectly. It's so stupidly perfect for the final chapter that I giggled a little when I chose it.

The Full Playlist With Links (to YouTube)

And there's the playlist — the songs that helped me shape this story. Or rather, the songs that let me give a voice to the story of Julian and Imogen beyond the words I wrote. I hope you listen to at least some of them, because many are genuinely great and worth it.