How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Ani lay down and, putting one arm over her face as though it were a wing, tried to shut out the world where she did not belong. (1.94)
Poor Ani—she knows she doesn't fit in with her mom and the royals in Kildenree, but she's not allowed to hang out with the animals either.
Quote #2
His assurance that she was wonderful was a stab in the soreness of her insecurity. He more than anyone knew how she tried to be what her mother was, and how often she failed. It was he who in earlier years had held her weeping at his chest and told her that she was good enough, that she was his best girl. She had not sought his comfort in years, trying as she was to grow up, to be independent and queenly enough not to hurt, but she longed for his succor now. (2.47)
When Ani hangs out with her dad, the whole world disappears. She forgets about the fact that she's not what her mom wants her to be, and instead actually enjoys his company. He's the first person we see her trust and relax with, after her cuckoo aunt. So what is it about her dad that comforts her? Perhaps it's as simple as the fact that he lets her be herself.
Quote #3
The queen shook her head. "You should never have been only a little girl, you should have always been a crown princess." (2.110)
Ouch. Ani's mom is never one to sugar coat it for her daughter—she's upfront with Ani about how she should act differently than other children because she's a crown princess. Right from the start, Ani's told she should be regal, but we can't help but wonder if that's a lot of pressure for a little kid.