A Curse So Dark and Lonely

“Back before our lives fell apart, when Dad had a job and a reputation, I rode horses. It had started as a therapeutic activity after all the cerebral palsy-related surgeries—but it turned into a passion. A freedom, as equine legs lent me strength and power.”

Shortly after she has been “kidnapped” to Emberfall, Harper reflects on her happy memories of horseback riding as she escapes Rhen’s palace and makes her way to the stables. In addition to world building for Emberfall, these lines reveal that Harper doesn’t view herself as weak or incapable due to her cerebral palsy; rather, she is creative and flexible and able to find strength and power, and the freedom they entail, through other developing new skills. Second, with this thought, Harper reveals more details about her past and the comfortable life she used to have with her family. This glimpse into where Harper came from helps explain why, once she starts feeling connected to Rhen and Grey, as well as comfortable with her role as a foreign princess, she wants to remain in Emberfall.

“I remember a time when my people feared the day I would come to lead—because I was seen as spoiled and selfish and not half the man my father was. Now I am spoiled and selfish in another way, and no better fit to rule.”

In this passage, Rhen once again reflects on the mistakes of his past and his belief that these mistakes have made him useless. Prior to the curse, Rhen was spoiled and arrogant, taking what he wanted and caring little for the wants or needs of others.