How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But like every visit and tea and party Ani attended, she was aware that others expected the crown princess to act, speak, and think as queenly as her mother, a feat that for her, Ani was certain, was as likely as her blowing down the wind. (2.8)
Funny thing: Ani does blow down the wind by the end, but she doesn't know that yet. Acting like a princess is more about power than anything else—her mom wants her daughter to command respect and authority from people, and it turns out, Ani just isn't into that gig.
Quote #2
Ani thought perhaps it was that she cared too much. She was constantly worried about what others thought of her, and how every word she spoke could condemn her further. Ani thought how to explain that to Selia and decided that she could not. Selia's ease with strangers and friends alike made Ani sure she would not understand. (2.29)
Here Ani digs deep and thinks about why she's not a great princess—rulers can't worry about what people think all the time since it doesn't make them seem strong and noble. In fact, it's only once Ani stops caring so much about what people think of her that she gains any real power.
Quote #3
"You cannot just allow her to take away what is rightfully yours."
"And I cannot take it back. I have no power here, Selia." (3.3-4)
We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Ani realizes that next to her mom she's got nothing. She might be a princess, but her mom overrules her, and she can't do anything about her mom's decisions—even if she disagrees with them. It's telling that Selia thinks it's as easy as just snatching the power back, since that's her signature move.
Quote #4
"It's all right, Calib," she said. "I was upset at first, but I'm resigned to it now. The crown is yours. Enjoy it, and do it better than I would have." (3.17)
Cue the emotional music. Ani has a touching moment with her brother here about the power in Kildenree. It's clear that Calib will make a better ruler than Ani at first, but we like that he's not so cut-throat and kill-anyone-who-stands-in-your-way about it like Selia is.
Quote #5
She thought, she hoped, that the handkerchief was something fantastic, like a piece of a tale, but real, and just for her, a symbol of the real, hidden love of her mother. She so desperately wanted something magical, something powerful, something that meant her mother had not flung her aside but loved her as deeply as her own heart. (4.51)
The handkerchief the queen gives to Ani has magical powers in it—or is it just in Ani's imagination? Ani thinks about how something from her family can be so important to her mother and protect her on the journey to Bayern, but ultimately she loses the handkerchief and its power. If you want to know more about this symbol, hop on over to the "Symbols" section.
Quote #6
"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." (4.133)
Selia wants power so badly she can taste it. And she does—for a while. We're pretty sure the type of power she wants is to dominate people so she can get whatever she wants, but Ani learns that it's better to actually please the people and fight for them, not against them.
Quote #7
The anonymity of her goose girl costume and name gave leash to a freedom that she had never dared exhibit when she had been the crown princess shivering in her mother's shadow. Her throat felt dry. She coughed, and realized that she was mortified. (9.72)
After she steals Geric's horse, Ani recoils a bit once she realizes what she's done. Check out how she calls her clothes a "costume" as if she is just playing a part. The only problem is that no one but her knows this isn't her real life because she's lost all of her royal power.
Quote #8
She held up the dress against her now, the ray of setting sun brightening her eyes, painting her face a yellow rose, regal as her mother. "But different," she whispered. "Not her. Me. Ani. Isi." (18.117)
When she looks at herself in the mirror with her old princess dress, Ani finds power in being herself. It's a big moment for her when she stops trying to be her mom and realizes she can be powerful all by herself—as long as she doesn't pretend anymore.
Quote #9
Her plan, if it worked, would get them through the gate. After that, the only power she could depend on was that of words, and her weaknesses haunted her. (19.51)
Ani knows she's got no power when it comes to speaking, like Selia does, but it turns out that she doesn't need that gift after all. Remember when Ani's aunt told her that rulers can usually people-speak? Well Ani can't do that, but she has a bunch of other gifts that are just as—if not more—powerful. Wind-talking, anyone?
Quote #10
"But I never imagined that I could marry a girl who was all those things and knew Bayern's needs better than I, who would truly be a partner on the throne. What this kingdom sorely misses is a queen, and you are exactly what they, and I, what we all need." (22.102)
Geric tells Ani at the end that she's more powerful and special than he ever thought possible, and it floors her. You see, Ani's real power isn't in a crown or a palace—it's from being comfortable with herself and standing up for her friends.