Content Warning: The source text uses misogynistic and ableist language, which is replicated in this guide only in direct quotes of the source material.

“A king’s daughter might go too; a king’s daughter who had, perhaps, proved herself in some small ways; who had learned to keep her mouth shut, and to smile on cue; a king’s daughter who happened to be the king’s only child.”

This quote establishes the unequal standards for men and women within the worldbuilding of the novel. While Aerin is not openly prevented from achieving more “masculine” feats like fighting dragons or taming warhorses, the restrictions of traditional gender roles still exist, ultimately separating her from genuine human connection. Since she cannot and will not meet Damarian society’s expectations for a princess, Aerin is denied equal status with her father and Tor. Ironically, however, the narrative later proves this dynamic to be a blessing, for her father’s refusal to let her join them in war allows her to go fight Maur and save the kingdom in his absence.

“[Galanna] is too stupid to recognize the difference between that sort of love and the love of a friend who depends on the particular friendship—or a farmer’s son’s love for his pet chicken.”

Aerin’s perspective on romance changes throughout the book, but she is not unaware of Tor’s growing affection for her; she simply views his affection as explicitly platonic and does not realize the depths of his true feelings. Aerin’s self-deprecating statement ties her dismissive interpretation of his affection to her stunted sense of self-worth, for she is knowingly casting herself in the role of the “pet chicken.” However, the passage also points out that Galanna’s view of the world is just as limited.