A note about Galbatorix's behavior in this chapter: the only complaint I had about the last battle was the random 'I hate kids' classic villain rant. Galbatorix likes to bend people to his will, and who's easier to convince than children? Galbatorix would totally love young, impressionable people. I mean, the possibilities are just too appealing to his character. He wouldn't be opposed to killing them and he'd still use them as bait for Eragon and Saphira, but not all villains have to hate rainbows and ponies and babies. I know Paolini's the author, but after how bad the end was screwed over, I can believe that his characterization was off here.
Anyway, I still lack ownership, but I do own the right to critique, as demonstrated above.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Galbatorix made allowances for her condition. He'd smile in that disarming way and pat her on the cheek, cold against her skin. "Children are a gift, Nasuada. They must be taken care of." And then he would send her away if she didn't feel well, or sit her down when she felt dizzy, have a servant bring her a drink when she felt dehydrated, or staunchly enforce a non-alcoholic atmosphere at dinner. For her.
No, not for her. For her daughter.
No matter how well Galbatorix treated her, Nasuada still feared for her daughter. Her life would be difficult, that much was unavoidable - what with both her parents sworn to a mad, immortal, supremely powerful king - but it seemed she would be treated well enough. Until she rebelled, at least.
Murtagh's words echoed in her mind often,
"Our daughter will live without fear. I swear it."
How could she? Her life would revolve around fear. If she didn't have fear, she would die. Fear would keep her alive. Fear would keep her safe. But fear was how Galbatorix controlled. How could their precious daughter live completely without fear when fear would keep her alive and trapped, but lack of it would let her die free?
She broached this topic to Murtagh after dinner one night, when she was combing her hair at the elaborate vanity – which she wanted to give to her daughter, but knowing Galbatorix he would give the baby her own extravagant room. Murtagh paused, blankets in his hand as he turned down their bed for the night. "I don't know." he finally answered. "Nasuada, I have no idea what to do. There must be a balance of fear and courage." He shook his head and finished his task. "Whatever we do, we will do everything we can, and she will be fine. Galbatorix won't hurt her if we...behave. Surely he will not make her swear until she is older, or until she becomes dangerous."
Nasuada looked down at the brush in her lap and spoke quietly. "She is already dangerous, Murtagh."
