Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses misogyny and xenophobia, physical and sexual violence (including rape), and ableist language.

“The waves that brushed the ship’s hull were small and tight, like rolled parchment.”

Ava Reid begins the story in medias res with Roscille’s journey to a new land. Crossing an ocean symbolizes that there is no going back for her, underlining the enormity of the change she is experiencing. Comparing the waves to parchment creates a sense of the geopolitical sphere she is operating in. The simile suggests war and diplomacy based around communication and information, as well as geography. This supports the reason for her journey: Her father has dominated these waters with naval might and now sends his daughter as part of a treaty.

“It is an unearthly beauty that some in Wrybeard’s court call death-touched.”

Reid introduces her protagonist’s appearance, which has shaped Roscille’s life as a source of status but also fear. Reid depicts a society in which reputation is important, impacting Roscille’s sociopolitical position. Roscille has always associated her magic and beauty with suspicion and isolation: Her patriarchal environment has taught her that both are fundamentally bad, or at least dangerous (which, as threats to male power, they are). Reid also explores The Truth of Myth and Magic, introducing the idea of fate as a powerful force while simultaneously complicating it. Roscille has always been marked, but whether by society alone or a greater power is ambiguous.