How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"You shall have to come to the reckoning that it is I who you have, and not your mother, and so it is. Nothing can help that. Despise me for it, as I know you all do, but when the guests arrive, we shall all be agreeable, and we shall all eat dinner together as though we are a very, very happy family! Which we are! Is that clear?" (14.200)
We've all been in family situations where you have to act happy and like nothing's wrong at some big event, whether a wedding or Thanksgiving dinner, despite the family drama seething under the surface—and this is exactly what's going on with Azalea's family here. The King really wants to present a nice image of their family for the visitors (who will include Azalea's suitors), so everyone has to make nice for the time being.
Quote #8
"It is not the way a wedding ought to be done," said the lady. "Weddings are meant to be with family. I will not allow it unless my sisters are there." (21.237)
Clover speaks the truth: in most cultures, weddings are a family event (even the cultures in made-up fairy-tale novels, apparently). And here we see Clover really sticking to her guns, and wanting her match with Fairweller to be accepted by her family even though he's unpopular and not very well liked. Go Clover.
Quote #9
"We're going to try this again," said Mother. She smiled, and the room seemed to brighten. "You'll take care of your sisters, and your father? Your whole family? Will you promise, Azalea?" (25.108)
Azalea's mom sets things right by making Azalea promise to include the whole family under her care and protection. This promise, somehow made magical, is what gets Azalea access to the silver handkerchief again, which in turn lets her save her sisters from certain death inside the palace mirrors. The take-home message here seems to be that caring for your family can be powerful mojo.