Six Crimson Cranes

“If it was discovered I had a talent for magic, no matter how small, I’d be sent away from Kiata forever—a fate far worse than having to marry some faceless lord of the third rank.”

Magic in Kiata is punishable by exile, even if a member of the emperor’s family proves magical—which demonstrates how severely Kiatans fear magic. Shiori is determined to keep her magic a secret, as she lacks self-acceptance. This quote also demonstrates how judgmental and resentful she is of marrying Takkan: She does not refer to him by name and finds marriage comparable to exile.

“But you are no longer a child. You are the Princess of Kiata, the only princess of the realm. It is time you behaved like a lady worthy of your title.”

The emperor reminds Shiori of her role in the empire, which Shiori continues to resent. Not wanting her family to grow up and grow apart, Shiori does everything in her power to avoid her responsibilities as a princess, to make the most of her childhood. Ironically, Shiori can only save the empire through physical strength physical, determination, and disregard for others’ opinions, rather than traditional “lady-like” behavior.

“‘We all have our secrets. One day, Shiori, you’ll have your own.’ Magic. Magic was my secret. What was hers?”

Shiori’s past conversation with Raikama foreshadows not only her innate magic, but her discovery of Raikama’s true identity. However, Raikama’s serpent face and dragon pearl only scratch the surface of her secrets, and Shiori only learns the full truth right before Raikama’s death.