Flachlande

Flachlande is one of the two kingdoms whose peace is secured through Cinder’s marriage to its crown princess, Ratana. Though the evidence names no further features of the realm, its royal status gives it decisive weight in the argument over whether Cinder’s choice is noble sacrifice or cowardice.

Political Role

In the story discussed by Ella and Brian Oliver, Ratana is the crown princess of Flachlande. Her union with Cinder binds the two kingdoms and brings peace between them. The kingdom therefore represents more than a setting: its political interests are the stated reason Cinder cannot simply follow his love for Ellamara.

Place in the Debate

Ella recalls that her dispute with Brian began with his first comment on her blog, where he defended Cinder’s decision to marry Ratana despite Ellamara being his true love. During their later conversation, Brian argues that Cinder had no choice: Ellamara was a commoner, while Ratana was the crown princess of Flachlande, and the marriage served the welfare of the kingdom.

Ella rejects Brian’s judgment that the choice was noble. In her view, Cinder followed expectation because doing so was easier than fighting for the woman he loved, regardless of social class. Flachlande thus anchors their disagreement in a concrete political arrangement, while their opposing interpretations turn that arrangement into a test of what courage and nobility mean.