How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Years ago, when Azalea had discovered that the crown princess of Delchastire was betrothed to a prince nearly forty years her senior, Azalea had fussed with the article so much it had turned her fingers black with ink. (14.193)
So Azalea's not just being paranoid about ending up in an arranged marriage that is politically beneficial—this sort of stuff still happens in her day. We can see why she's a little fearful for her future.
Quote #5
Mr. Hyette's smile faded.
"Now see here," he said. "You certainly have no right to be picky. Everyone knows the point of this silly riddle is to find the future King." (15.23-24)
Just a tip for Mr. Hyette: reminding someone that they're essentially powerless to choose their future spouse is perhaps not the best courtship strategy. Rubbing in something like that is, shall we say, impolite. It's no wonder Azalea doesn't like him at first.
Quote #6
"And me," said Bramble, and even her pushed smile faded. "Well… me. I've got too little dowry and too much mouth. And no gentleman likes that. The King will be grateful to have anyone take me." (15.53)
Dowry (or the custom of the bride's family giving a sum of money or goods to the groom) is still going strong in the world of Entwined. For a gal like Bramble who's outspoken, this could be a problem, since it's not like her family can afford to pay someone to put up with her. They're gonna have to find someone who actually likes her and wants her around. Now who might that be…?