How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Their constant chatter about nothing made a certain sense, he supposed, as nothing important ever happened to common people. But the sheer insignificance of it all was overwhelming.
"Are they always this way?" he asked Volger. (13.6-7)
And this is where Alek starts to sound like a bit of a stuck-up spoiled brat. Does he really think nothing important happens to people who aren't nobles? What does he even mean by "important" anyway?
Quote #5
As he listened, Alek noticed that Master Klopp's accent had changed. Normally, he spoke in a slow, clear cadence, but now his words blurred and trilled with a common drawl. For a moment Alek thought Klopp was pretending. But then he wondered if this was the man's normal way of speaking. Maybe he put on an accent in front of nobles.
It was strange to think that in three years of training, Alek had never heard his tutor's true accent. (13.23-24)
Strange and a bit sad. It makes us wonder if anyone has ever let Alek see the true them. If everyone is always putting on a show to impress or appease the Prince, how could he ever know anyone truly?
Quote #6
Alek's hand went instinctively to his side, where his sword would normally have hung. The man's eyes tracked the gesture.
The room was dead silent for a moment.
[…]
As the dust and sunlight stung his eyes, Alek realized what he'd done. His accent, his bearing… the man had seen who he was. (13.31-32, 36)
Well that's unfortunate. It turns the tables on Alek, in a sense, though: maybe he'll realize that commoners aren't so dumb, after all.