Elisa – The Girl of Fire and Thorns Talks to Us!

When I was asked if I wanted to participate in the A GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS blog tour, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only is Rae Carson a beautiful storyteller, her debut novel is so enchanting and devastatingly gorgeous there was no way I could say no.

So without further ado…I give you Elisa!

Not too many young women have the strength that you do. How do you keep yourself balanced?

I think most young women rise to the occasion when they need to. I keep balanced by surrounding myself with people I trust, like Hector and Ximena and Mara. I think good friends help a girl feel a lot stronger than she actually is.

Were you shocked to learn that your marriage was in exchange for troops?

I wasn’t shocked—I always knew I’d marry for political reasons. But I admit to feeling dismayed at how coldly calculating it all was. I was also surprised at how quickly it happened. I often wonder if things would be different if I’d had time to prepare myself, or maybe been a little older.

Alejandro seemed to care more for you then he was letting on. What would you say to him today, if given the chance?

At the time, I was so wrapped up in my own worries that I didn’t realize he was hurting too. I wish I could go back and tell him I understand what he’s going through. But I also wish I could go back and shake some sense into that Elisa, tell her to stand up for herself and demand his respect.

Lord Hector has proven to be a valuable aid and friend. Will you ever consider him your closest confidant?

Hector was the first person in Brisadulce to show me any kindness—I’ll never forget that. And indeed, we’ve become good friends. Sometimes, I look at his face and know exactly what he’s thinking. Sometimes, though, he becomes very stoic to hide his feelings from me, which makes me think he’ll never be my closest confident until he trusts me as much as I trust him.

What is your biggest fear?

I worry that I’ll die before completing my service to God, and everything I’ve done will have been for nothing.

What do you think your biggest challenge as Queen will be?

I’m only seventeen, and ruling by an accident of marriage and war rather than through inheritance. There has already been some rumbling about my foreignness. So convincing my people of my right to rule will be challenging.

You will now be raising Rosario, are you ready to be a mother?

I am not ready to be a mother! I never knew my own, so I haven’t the first clue how to proceed. Fortunately, like all royal heirs, Rosario has a full compliment of tutors, nurses, and attendants. So my role will probably be more big-sisterly than motherly. At least I hope so. I can’t imagine otherwise…

Humberto plays such a huge part in your life. Would you have picked him over Alejandro?

No. I mean yes. Oh, I don’t know. Alejandro was the right political choice, and we did become friends in the end. But Humberto was kind and good and joyful… You know, both of them used me horribly. One force-married me and one kidnapped me. It seems unfair that a girl should have to choose between men who want to control her, no matter how wonderful and well-meant they are.

What can we expect from Queen Elisa in the future?

Adventuring, hard choices, new friends, a maybe some kissing. (A girl can hope, right?)

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Check out Rae as she tells readers what to expect from A GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS