The Veiled Kingdom

The rebellion mark is a symbol of loyalty in The Veiled Kingdom. Dacre views the mark as a symbol of loyalty and is deeply offended by Nyra’s decision to forge the mark for her own gain. He tells Kai and Wren about his feelings in front of Nyra, declaring, “The only reason someone would forge one of our marks is because she’s betraying her kingdom while being too [cowardly] to fight against it” (39). He believes that loyalty must be earned, and in his mind, Nyra has done nothing to demonstrate any loyalty toward the rebellion. Dacre is particularly sensitive about the rebellion mark because his mother died for her loyalty to the rebellion. Faced with this tragedy in his own past, he tells Nyra, “[My mother] died, and you make a mockery of everyone who died for this by putting this mark on you when you haven’t done a damned thing to earn it” (133). He believes that loyalty must be earned by action, which is why he is particularly upset that Nyra has coopted the mark as a means of survival. In his mind, she has not earned the right to wear the mark or to