How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Preserve it?" returned Florian. "Preserve a power fixed by an accident of birth? Unearned, unmerited, only abused? You have been sadly misled, Doctor, if you come to me for that. Legitimate monarchy? The only legitimate rulers are the people of Westmark." (16.21)
Florian's a rebellious soul, and he's against the entire concept of monarchy. To him, rule by the people (i.e. a democracy) is the way to go, rather than having a kingdom, headed up by a monarch who just happened to be born into a hereditary role and isn't necessarily qualified for it.
Quote #2
"You cannot believe that," cried Torrens. "Do you see no difference between a monarch and a tyrant? The chief minister has been a disaster for the country. As king, he will be still worse. At court, the only one who dares oppose him is Queen Caroline. Her life may be in danger as a result. Cabbarus will let no one stand in his way. He has banished me, he has tried to have me murdered. But I will not leave the kingdom. I seek honest men to join me and support the queen's cause, to bring force to bear—" (16.18)
There's good monarchy, and then there's terrible monarchy—like Cabbarus, if he ever gets to be king. Torrens tries to show Florian, who's anti-monarchy, that having a king isn't all bad—it just depends on who the king or queen is. He'd rather fix what's already there (a.k.a. the kingdom) than start up a whole new system of government from scratch.
Quote #3
Augustine had given him the opening he sought, and he hurried on before he lost the monarch's attention. "Indeed, Sire, kings have a duty even beyond the tomb. We are all, at the end, dust and ashes. Your Majesty, alas, bears the added burden of determining his successor.
"There is no successor."
"Precisely my point, Majesty. Queen Caroline, as a royal widow, may rule in your stead. This merely delays the question without resolving it. Your Majesty must have an heir to carry on his sacred trust." (5.16-18)
Guess who thinks he'd make a good successor? Yup—that would be Cabbarus. Unfortunately, since he's not the blood heir, convincing the king to name him as such will be quite the political feat.