Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide feature descriptions of child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, gun violence, abduction, and sexism.

“Life is a war zone, princess. The sooner you understand that, the safer you’ll be.”

This quote from Rhys highlights the ways in which his complex PTSD affects his mindset. When Bridget hears this, she feels sorry for him, wondering what led him to think this way. However, for Rhys, this statement is representative of the world in which he lives, for in his childhood and in his adult careers alike, he has always needed to be hypervigilant to survive. This difference of mindsets greatly affects Bridget and Rhys’s relationship, particularly toward the beginning of the novel.

“I loved and hated the shift in equal measure. Loved it because I had more freedom, hated it because I could no longer use my irritation as a shield against whatever was crackling between us.”

Bridget says this once her relationship with Rhys becomes more friendly and open. This quote shows how she has been using their mutual animosity as a shield to avoid delving into her true feelings. This change in their relationship confuses Bridget, as she now has nothing to hide behind when it comes to her feelings for Rhys.

“Maybe I’m tired of living life the way I should and want to live life the way I could.”

Bridget says this to Rhys once she discovers that she is about to become the crown princess of Eldorra. This quote concisely summarizes Bridget’s primary struggle within the novel, for she feels like her life is being dictated for her and resents The Tension Between Love and Duty. As a public figure, Bridget understands that she is not entitled to a private life, but she clings to every ounce of freedom she can get before even more of it is taken from her.