---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Usually though, especially in these…"
description: "\"“Usually though, especially in these wretched meetings, the duke’s attention was fixed upon the beautiful, raven-haired woman who was never far from hi..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg"
---

#  Usually though, especially in these wretched meetings, the…

![“Usually though, especially in these wretched meetings, the duke’s attention was fixed upon the beautiful, raven-haired woman who was never far from his side, as though tethered to him by an invisible chain. It was to her that Manon now looked while the duke pointed out the areas on the map he…” quote by Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg)

> ““Usually though, especially in these wretched meetings, the duke’s attention was fixed upon the beautiful, raven-haired woman who was never far from his side, as though tethered to him by an invisible chain. It was to her that Manon now looked while the duke pointed out the areas on the map he wanted Ironteeth scouts to survey. Kaltain—that was her name.””

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A duke is captivated by a loyal, beautiful woman, whose presence guides his decisions during dangerous missions.

**In simple terms:** The duke is drawn to a devoted woman.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the influence of trusted companions.

Themes

romance loyalty danger

Mood

dramatic intense

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

- high‑stakes missions
- political intrigue
- personal relationships

Key Concepts

power dynamics attachment strategy

Questions to Reflect On

- How does loyalty affect leadership?
- What risks arise from emotional dependence?

A Different Perspective

Reliance on one person can create vulnerability.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Raven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/raven/)

## Related quotes

> [“Manon looked to the Thirteen, standing around Asterin in a half circle. One by one, they lifted two fingers to their brows. A murmur…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/manon-looked-to-the-thirteen-standing-around-asterin-in-a-half-circle/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“There was, of course, no way that he would force the raven downstairs. It looked bite-sized and improbable. He wasn’t certain if it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maggie-stiefvater/there-was-of-course-no-way-that-he-would-force-the-raven-downstairs/)

[Maggie Stiefvater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maggie-stiefvater/)

> [“Today I seen a dove collide into the sunset, on the way to heaven and a ruined raven chewing on death, over the pavement.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-liccione/today-i-seen-a-dove-collide-into-the-sunset-on-the-way-to-heaven-and/)

[Anthony Liccione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-liccione/)

> [“And the raven quote, nevermore.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/and-the-raven-quote-nevermore/)

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

> [Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/quoth-the-raven-nevermore/)

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

> [“Is that a crow I hear, calling the raven black?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/is-that-a-crow-i-hear-calling-the-raven-black/)

[George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/)

> [“The master wants to salvage you. He's going to sign you to the Raven lineup in spring. So long as you keep quiet and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-sakavic/the-master-wants-to-salvage-you-he-s-going-to-sign-you-to-the-raven/)

[Nora Sakavic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-sakavic/)

> [“When she first saw him, she took him for a ghost. His jet-black hair fluttered in the breeze as he walked, letting her see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda-m-lyons/when-she-first-saw-him-she-took-him-for-a-ghost-his-jet-black-hair/)

[Amanda M. Lyons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda-m-lyons/)

> [“And the crow once called the raven black.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/and-the-crow-once-called-the-raven-black/)

[George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/)

> [“Raven mumbled something. “Eh? What was that? Speak up! Don’t mumble like a caterpillar.” “I said, I don’t want to scare them.” Baba Yaga…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-hale/raven-mumbled-something-eh-what-was-that-speak-up-don-t-mumble-like-a/)

[Shannon Hale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-hale/)

> [I watched the Disney Channel all the time growing up. 'Lizzie McGuire' was my all-time favorite. I'm pretty sure I had every piece of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/olivia-holt/i-watched-the-disney-channel-all-the-time-growing-up-lizzie-mcguire/)

[Olivia Holt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/olivia-holt/)

> [“...These stars will be gone one day for you. They will be for me, too. The Raven promises me I will turn back to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-monninger/these-stars-will-be-gone-one-day-for-you-they-will-be-for-me-too-the/)

[Joseph Monninger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-monninger/)

> [And the Raven, never flitting, Still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas Just above my chamber door; And his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/and-the-raven-never-flitting-still-is-sitting-still-is-sitting-on-the/)

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

> [“I am a black bird, a Raven, I am Raven. I know and I am knowing—I know and see life and death, expansion and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-raven-rose/i-am-a-black-bird-a-raven-i-am-raven-i-know-and-i-am-knowing-i-know/)

[H Raven Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-raven-rose/)

> [The problem with Raven is that she's so smart, so sometimes it's hard for her to be hopeful or idealistic, because she's so realistic.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lindsey-morgan/the-problem-with-raven-is-that-she-s-so-smart-so-sometimes-it-s-hard/)

[Lindsey Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lindsey-morgan/)

## More by Sarah J. Maas

> [“Light it up, bitch.' 'Light it up, asshole,' ...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/light-it-up-bitch-light-it-up-asshole/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“What does he look like? The question was soft- tentative. I knew who he meant. I interlaced my fingers through Rhysand's and squeezed tightly.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/what-does-he-look-like-the-question-was-soft-tentative-i-knew-who-he/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“Lysandra chuckled, a surprisingly deep, wicked sound—probably a laugh she never let Arobynn or her clients hear. “Some night soon, I’ll sneak back in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/lysandra-chuckled-a-surprisingly-deep-wicked-sound-probably-a-laugh/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“I love you. I am in love with you, Rowan. I have been for a while. And I know there are limits to what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/i-love-you-i-am-in-love-with-you-rowan-i-have-been-for-a-while-and-i/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“Perhaps Nesta will take up the blood-drinking habit, too. I certainly believe her threat to rip out my throat. Maybe she'll enjoy the taste.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/perhaps-nesta-will-take-up-the-blood-drinking-habit-too-i-certainly/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“To being the most fearsome and imposing girls the world has ever seen.” Celaena raised her goblet high before she drank. As she swallowed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/to-being-the-most-fearsome-and-imposing-girls-the-world-has-ever-seen/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“have no interest in prisoners or battling today,” Manon said. The Queen of Terrasen gave her a grin. “Good.” Manon turned away, barking at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/have-no-interest-in-prisoners-or-battling-today-manon-said-the-queen/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“Well, I'm late for something incredibly important," Lucien said, and before I could call him on his outright lie or beg him to stay,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/well-i-m-late-for-something-incredibly-important-lucien-said-and/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“Holy gods. He'd frozen the whole damn lake. He was THAT powerful?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/holy-gods-he-d-frozen-the-whole-damn-lake-he-was-that-powerful/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“She bellowed the last word with such soul-deep hatred that he felt it like a punch to the gut.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/she-bellowed-the-last-word-with-such-soul-deep-hatred-that-he-felt-it/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“Afraid she and I had a summer romance?" That insufferable grin was still there. "I hope you did. I certainly enjoyed myself this summer."…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/afraid-she-and-i-had-a-summer-romance-that-insufferable-grin-was/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“There are different kinds of darkness,” Rhys said. I kept my eyes shut. “There is the darkness that frightens, the darkness that soothes, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/there-are-different-kinds-of-darkness-rhys-said-i-kept-my-eyes-shut/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“So you’re going to ask Ress and Brullo to just leave a back door open so you can sneak in?” “Don’t be so simpleminded.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/so-you-re-going-to-ask-ress-and-brullo-to-just-leave-a-back-door-open/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“Gently, he pulled my hands away from my face. Gently, he took my cheeks in his hands and brushed away my tears. I didn’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/gently-he-pulled-my-hands-away-from-my-face-gently-he-took-my-cheeks/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

> [“I barely saw my silk slipper as it flew through the air, fast as a shooting star, so fast that even a High Lord…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/i-barely-saw-my-silk-slipper-as-it-flew-through-the-air-fast-as-a/)

[Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

[Explore all 1,807 Sarah J. Maas quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/)

## More Raven quotes

> [The problem with Raven is that she's so smart, so sometimes it's hard for her to be hopeful or idealistic, because she's so realistic.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lindsey-morgan/the-problem-with-raven-is-that-she-s-so-smart-so-sometimes-it-s-hard/)

[Lindsey Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lindsey-morgan/)

> [“I am a black bird, a Raven, I am Raven. I know and I am knowing—I know and see life and death, expansion and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-raven-rose/i-am-a-black-bird-a-raven-i-am-raven-i-know-and-i-am-knowing-i-know/)

[H Raven Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-raven-rose/)

> [And the Raven, never flitting, Still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas Just above my chamber door; And his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/and-the-raven-never-flitting-still-is-sitting-still-is-sitting-on-the/)

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

> [“...These stars will be gone one day for you. They will be for me, too. The Raven promises me I will turn back to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-monninger/these-stars-will-be-gone-one-day-for-you-they-will-be-for-me-too-the/)

[Joseph Monninger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-monninger/)

> [I watched the Disney Channel all the time growing up. 'Lizzie McGuire' was my all-time favorite. I'm pretty sure I had every piece of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/olivia-holt/i-watched-the-disney-channel-all-the-time-growing-up-lizzie-mcguire/)

[Olivia Holt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/olivia-holt/)

> [“Raven mumbled something. “Eh? What was that? Speak up! Don’t mumble like a caterpillar.” “I said, I don’t want to scare them.” Baba Yaga…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-hale/raven-mumbled-something-eh-what-was-that-speak-up-don-t-mumble-like-a/)

[Shannon Hale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-hale/)

> [“And the crow once called the raven black.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/and-the-crow-once-called-the-raven-black/)

[George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/)

> [“When she first saw him, she took him for a ghost. His jet-black hair fluttered in the breeze as he walked, letting her see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda-m-lyons/when-she-first-saw-him-she-took-him-for-a-ghost-his-jet-black-hair/)

[Amanda M. Lyons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda-m-lyons/)

> [“The master wants to salvage you. He's going to sign you to the Raven lineup in spring. So long as you keep quiet and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-sakavic/the-master-wants-to-salvage-you-he-s-going-to-sign-you-to-the-raven/)

[Nora Sakavic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-sakavic/)

> [“Is that a crow I hear, calling the raven black?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/is-that-a-crow-i-hear-calling-the-raven-black/)

[George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/)

> [Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/quoth-the-raven-nevermore/)

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

> [“And the raven quote, nevermore.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/and-the-raven-quote-nevermore/)

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

> [“Today I seen a dove collide into the sunset, on the way to heaven and a ruined raven chewing on death, over the pavement.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-liccione/today-i-seen-a-dove-collide-into-the-sunset-on-the-way-to-heaven-and/)

[Anthony Liccione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-liccione/)

> [“There was, of course, no way that he would force the raven downstairs. It looked bite-sized and improbable. He wasn’t certain if it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maggie-stiefvater/there-was-of-course-no-way-that-he-would-force-the-raven-downstairs/)

[Maggie Stiefvater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maggie-stiefvater/)

> ['That's So Raven' was my favorite show growing up! I loved Raven so much! That show is what made me want to be on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raini-rodriguez/that-s-so-raven-was-my-favorite-show-growing-up-i-loved-raven-so-much/)

[Raini Rodriguez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raini-rodriguez/)

[Browse all 166 Raven quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/raven/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“Usually though, especially in these wretched meetings, the duke’s attention was fixed upon the beautiful, raven-haired woman who was never far from his side, as though tethered to him by an invisible chain. It was to her that Manon now looked while the duke pointed out the areas on the map he wanted Ironteeth scouts to survey. Kaltain—that was her name.”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Sarah J. Maas"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/usually-though-especially-in-these-wretched-meetings-the-duke-s/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Raven"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/usually-though-especially-in-these-wretched-meetings-the-duke-s/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/sarah-j-maas-58_raven_usually-though-especially-in-these-wretc_2541228.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Usually though, especially in these wretched meetings, the duke’s attention was fixed upon the beautiful…” — Sarah J. Maas",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Sarah J. Maas",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“Usually though, especially in these wretched...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/usually-though-especially-in-these-wretched-meetings-the-duke-s/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/usually-though-especially-in-these-wretched-meetings-the-duke-s/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
