How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Regiment practice. It is an old tradition, from the revolution. They say the rebellion—the cavalry—burst though the windows, thorns, and vines, and scooped up the prisoners from the magicked palace. Romanticized, of course. It is tradition, however, so we practice it. On sacks of wheat and potatoes." (18.41)
The duty to the past is an interesting one. Here the King talks about how everyone who gets a certain kind of martial training also learns how to scoop up prone items as a way of remembering the past, when they'd had to fight the High King and liberate prisoners. They don't expect to use this particular skill set again, but they do it for tradition's sake (of course, they don't know what's coming yet with Keeper getting loose).
Quote #8
"Oh—but I can't! He's certain that the King would never allow our union. If Mother were here, she could talk to the King. But—" Clover fingered the swirls of the watch at her waist, then brightened at Azalea. "Perhaps you could!" (22.44)
This is definitely one sisterly duty that Azalea doesn't anticipate: having to put in a good word for Fairweller (ugh) on behalf of her sister Clover (omg). And yet because their mom's not around anymore to smooth things over with their dad, who's overprotective when it comes to courtship, it appears that Azalea's going to have to step up to the plate here.
Quote #9
"There were twelve dancing princesses," he whispered. "And their little hearts were broken. But one day, they found a magical land of silver and music, where they could dance and forget all their troubles. But, alas! All things do not last forever. There was a debt to be paid; and when the accounts were balanced, the dear little princesses were found wanting." (25.60-61)
Keeper's version of the story is chilling. The wonderful nights of dancing come at a price, and when the girls do not fulfill their duty to Keeper, holding up their end of the bargain by finding the magical object he required and destroying it, Keeper turns on them. Well, he probably would've done that anyway. Which makes us wonder—if Keeper was planning their (and especially their father's) deaths all along, were they really obligated to help him?