But we survived, didn’t we? That makes it an adventure. If you get killed it’s a tragedy.

There were also very special or dangerous items that had to be fetched in person, or even by large parties of armed librarians.

I am Abhorsen..." He looked at the baby again and added, almost with a note of surprise, "Father of Sabriel

I’m not going,” he said. He held up the Third key like a weapon. Sensing his mood, it grew longer and sharper, till he was holding a trident as long as he was tall... “And anyone who tries to make me is going to suffer.” “Twice,” added the voice under the table.

Fine!" muttered Mogget. "Wet, cold, and full of holes. Another fun day on the river.

While princes do rule the empire, they have to work within certain boundaries, and they're also always in a contest with each other to become the next emperor. And this contest includes actually killing each other, doing anything they can get away with to each other.

There is always a choice, even if the alternatives don't appear to be equal.