How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Leaving the count and his coachman busily packing, Theo made his way across the innyard. He drew the bolt on the gate and slipped out into the street. What had been so clear a choice in the shed now filled him with uneasiness. The count, he feared, might well be right, and a bad affair turn worse. His decision had been the only honorable one. Instead of strengthening him, however, it burdened him. He gritted his teeth and set off for the constabulary. (3.30)
Big T tries to go to the police about Anton, but—just as the count says—the authorities aren't going to do anything for him. Theo does what he thinks is the right thing—why wouldn't the dudes in charge aid him, a poor guy? But when the powers that be are corrupt, you're not going to get much help. Duh, Theo.
Quote #5
"Well," said Mickle, "I saw what they did to my friend Hanno. I say, no more of it. Yes, send Cabbarus into exile. He's lost his power, and for him that's worse than hanging." (26.30)
It's up to Mickle to decide how Cabbarus is punished. Should he die? Be exiled? At Theo's behest, she opts for the benevolent choice—he's banished. That's the humane thing to do, Theo thinks. He's still got that moral side, it seems.
Quote #6
"Not if Florian has his way. Not if I have mine, either. There must be a royal cousin somewhere who's foolish enough to like this kind of work. Anyhow, I told them I didn't care about it, I wouldn't let them separate us. So that settles it." When Theo did not answer immediately, her face fell. "Doesn't it? Unless—What did they say to you?"
"Only that I had to make my own choice." (27.9-10)
Mickle is now a princess, so she has to be the next queen… or does she? This remains open-ended, as Florian wants to overthrow the monarchy. Plus, what if that isn't what she wants to do? What about Theo? What does he want to do? The story ends with our heroes having a lot of open-ended (and safe) choices for the first time in a while.