How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"It's your sisters," said Mother. "You've done so well to watch out for them, these months I've been ill. You'll always take care of them, won't you?" (1.44)
Here Azalea's mom isn't just content to remind Azalea of her duty to take care of her younger sisters—she also makes Azalea (unknowingly) swear a magical oath to do so. That might seem like a little too much, but Azalea's going to be torn in so many directions by grief and duty and so on that she needs all the help she can get.
Quote #2
Azalea paused. They had never been exactly close to the King, but he had always come to breakfast and dinner, at least. It was a rule they had, to eat dinner as a family. Now, these past several days, he had remained in the library, tending to Royal Business and ignoring them all. (4.44)
Ah, the good old bury-yourself-in-duties-and ignore-your-grief response to someone you love dying. We can't say that we recommend it, but it seems to be working for the King… er… if by working for we mean the opposite. The more the King ignores his daughters in favor of his duties, the worse their relationship becomes.
Quote #3
"There is an old magic," he said slowly. "A deep one, made of promises. It hearkens back to the High King D'Eathe, and the first Captain General. Your father swore such an oath to Delchastire when we made this alliance. We all did. It cannot be taken lightly." (5.23)
Fairweller fills Azalea in on what's up with her dad needing to rush off to war so soon after her mother's funeral—it's his duty to, you see. It's based on the magic of promises, plus political alliances that cannot be ignored. It seems like somehow duties will find a way to demand attention even at the least convenient times.