How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
He'd always been an imposter in his own house, his father unable to leave him anything, his distant relatives wishing he'd never been born. Even his mother—she was the cause of it all. She'd cost him an empire, and somewhere deep down that fact had always stood between them.
How could the abyss that had defined his life disappear so suddenly?
The answer was, it hadn't. The emptiness was still there. (21.61-62)
Volger has just told Alek that the pope has declared him his father's heir. Considering that this is what he's wanted his whole life, why doesn't this make a bigger difference to Alek?
Quote #5
"We can't sit here and watch them die, Count. Enemies or not."
"Haven't you been listening?" Volger cried. "You're heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. Your duty is to the empire, not those men out there." (22.26-27)
Where does Alek believe his duty lies? What does "duty to the empire" mean? What does it look like?
Quote #6
"Explain that we're political opponents of the emperor," Volger said. "And that he's seized the war as an opportunity to get rid of his enemies. We aren't deserters. We had no choice but to run."
As Alek translated this into English, he marveled at Volger's quick thinking. The explanation was not only believable; it bordered on the truth. (29.41-42)
Nothing like hiding behind the truth: your enemies will never believe you told it. Volger's sneakiness never lets us down.