I will come back for you as soon as I can." He stared at her, running a hand over his short beard. "I was about to promise you that I will get back, but the truth is, I could get captured by my uncle and his men. Many other things could happen, and I don't want to leave you.

She had never been in love before. She'd tried to save herself the pain, but all her pretending and hiding the truth from herself had not saved her at all. And even though this love was painful, it was worth it to remember how the sight of him and the sound of his voice had made her heart beat faster, that feeling of wanting what was best for someone else, even if it broke her own heart.

Why could he not have chosen some other woman? Why Avelina? But he knew why. It was because she had seemed good and kind and had expressed her thoughts without any false pride or pretense. He had admired her forthrightness and her compassion. And although he had never thought of a wife with strong opinions was a good thing, he actually found he liked her opinions-or at least admired her for having them. He wanted to get to know her, to know everything that was in her heart. He wanted to marry her and, surprising even himself, to love her.

I should like the woman I choose to be very honest, generous, and to have a sincere faith in God, rather than mindlessly following the rules.

Do you think God has a different purpose for every person,' Gisela asked, 'or is his purpose the same for everyone?'...'God wants us all to strive to grow more like Jesus, to become holy as he is holy, but God has a specific purpose for each person. How could it not be so? Everyone in a village cannot be a baker, because who would then make the candles or shoe the horses or grow the food? God says we are like a body. 'The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you." And the head cannot say the feet, "I don't need you."''Does the Bible say that?''Oh, yes, and it says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it." Just as the villagers are part of a village and have different tasks, we all have tasks to do for the Lord God.

Her whole world was in the depth of his eyes.

Magdalen's eyes were wide and her mouth hung open. She was so sweet and beautiful. She would make a wonderful margrave's wife. Avelina had already made up her mind that the margrave had not killed his brother. She simply could not believe anyone who was so particular about who he was going to marry, and who seemed so concerned about orphans, could have done such a despicable thing. At least, she hoped not.

You have every right to be free, Miss Langdon. No one is denying you that. But freedom is only valuable if you use your freedom wisely.

Everyone will say I'm insane, but I don't care, Rose. Is it insane to marry the girl I love? A girl with golden brown hair, with gifts of beauty and goodness and storytelling?

He considered telling her that she could, and often, if she married him.

Only the most passionate love could ever induce me to marry.

But in her heart she truly believed she was a better lady than Lady Dorothea ever was. Was it wrong to think she was nobler in her heart than the true nobleman's daughter?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Or as Gabe had done, to rescue your betrothed from some evil force. That appealed to him. But he'd yet to find a damsel in distress, oppressed by evil and in need of rescue.

His hands wrapped around her upper arms, holding her gently. "You are even more beautiful when you dance.

He had danced with fair maidens before, but Odette was different. She was graceful and beautiful, but there was something in her eyes and in the things she said, an intelligence and a boldness that belied her quiet demeanor.

Magdalen, the girl with pretty green eyes. Magdalen, who was smiling so warmly right now at Lenhart, who was attentive to Katrin even when she talked too much. She had been so gentle and concerned about his wounds, washing his face and bringing him fresh water to drink.

Except I was hoping someday to see you standing on a ship's deck in your shirtsleeves with a cutlass between your teeth.""Maybe it can be arranged

At the same time, the thought of Gisela suffering at Ruexner's hands sent ice water through his veins, along with a stab of guilt. If Gisela should suffer pain or distress at Ruexner's hands, it would be his fault. Ruexner had only taken her because of his hatred for Valten. " God, I must save her. I must not fail.

Ruexner will pay dearly for this," Valten promised, speaking to no one in particular, but imagining he had the fiend's neck between his hands. If he dared hurt Gisela...

Her jaw was firmly set, but her lips... her full, perfect lips were slightly parted in an expression that matched the vulnerability in her eyes -frightened yet determined. His heart skippeed a beat, and he swallowed the lump in his throat.

You are brave and strong and good, noble and kind. I love you and I think you're...

If you die fighting, I want to die fighting with you.

She was so lovely, it hurt his chest to gaze at her, especially knowing she was courageous and clever too.

She whispered, "Even with a broken hand, you are the knight I'd most want and trust to rescue me-and I know you can do it. You are the boldest, bravest, most noble knight in the Holy Empire.

Ruexner chuckled and put away his knife. Gisela kept her eyes on Valten. Even though her bottom lip trembled, she still looked like the bravest woman he had ever seen.

Promise me that if you get a chance to escape without me, you will do it. He won't kill me. Go find your men and come back for me." His eyelids and brows lowered. " You don't know me very well or you wouldn't say such a thing. I won't leave you.