How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"For years I have been waiting for my chance, and now here it is. Don't touch me and don't call for me. I am no longer your servant. You, what are you? The brat of lucky parents who were related to a childless king. There is no such thing as royal blood. I believe we are what we make ourselves, and as such, you, Crown Princess, are nothing." Selia spoke as though she had held those words inside for too long and they burned her mouth as she spoke them. (4.40)
Tsk, tsk, Selia. We know it's bad news when Selia goes out on a limb here in the middle of the forest, but she must be pretty convincing. Why else would the guards—who are supposed to protect Ani at all costs—go along with her plan? Deviant she may be, but Selia's also an excellent schemer.
Quote #5
"Fraud?" said Selia. "Royalty is not a right, Captain. The willingness of the people to follow a ruler is what gives her power. Here, in this place, by this people, I have been chosen. These men are tired of being told whom to follow. Now they have a choice, and they use that choice to call me Princess." Selia's words seemed seductively convincing. Even Ani, peering through pine boughs, had to stop herself from nodding. But Adon stepped up beside Talone and challenged her. (4.100)
This wheeler and dealer knows how to get people on board with her plan. Did you notice how even Ani finds it hard not to go along with whatever Selia's saying? The book wants us to believe Selia is one big, bad wolf, but how much of this is really her fault? She's not alone in taking over Ani, after all.
Quote #6
She was little like her mother, though that was all she had ever longed to be. She lacked the gift of people-speaking, that power to convince and control that laced every word her mother uttered. She did not possess that grace and beauty that all in a room turned to watch. But had the queen ever told a nursery story to a room of captivated listeners? Or handled fifty head of geese? Ani smiled at the thought, and then she surprised herself by feeling proud. I've done that much. What more can I do? (10.74)
When Ani stops and thinks about it, she's got her own powers of manipulation—they might not come in the form of people-speaking like her mom (and Selia), but she's convinced a whole kingdom that she's someone she's not. Now look who's crafty.