How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Lianne went to the sleeping Jonathan, taking his hand. Her eyes were bright with tears. "He's all we have, Alan. I can't—I am unable to bear any more children." (4.127)
Even the royal family has their share of troubles. That's a bummer because otherwise the king and queen seem really nice, plus we already know and like Jonathan. And it's an extra bummer since their family seems really functional, so any more kids that they would have would probably grow up in a healthy, happy, and safe environment.
Quote #5
George's voice was low. "Would you have me deny the lad his heart's desire? That care-for-naught he calls Father will never get him a proper mount." (5.155)
Sometimes your family is utterly inadequate to the task of caring for you, and that's when you hope that you have "family of choice," a.k.a. the people you would've picked for your family if you'd have any say in the matter. George certainly steps up and cares for Alanna when her father can't or won't.
Quote #6
"I know just the lady—she was a priestess in the Temple of the Mother here in the City before she married, got trained there. She's my own mother. She wouldn't talk if you pried her jaws apart." (6.20)
For being the King of Thieves, George is pretty trustworthy. Given how he characterizes his mother someone who wouldn't talk under any circumstances, we suspect that circumspection runs in that family.