I think sometimes when we find love we pretend it away, or ignore it, or tell ourselves we’re imagining it. Because it is the most painful kind of hope there is.

From the mouths of the innocents flows truth.

The mind of God is a mystery and none can understand it.

Honor from death,” I snap, “is a myth. Invented by the war torn to make sense of the horrific. If we die, it will be so that others may live. Truly honorable death, the only honorable death, is one that enables life.

One thing I have learned from many years of watching my father is that some people, the best ones, are motivated more by the chance to prove themselves than by a command to serve. It is the work itself that calls them onward, especially if they believe they are the only ones who can do it.

Peace is such hard work. Harder than war. It takes way more effort to forgive than to kill.

Every place there's people, there's badness.

Men can be relentless," she agrees, "when they think a woman belongs to them.

There's not a place in the whole world where everyone isn't willing--no, eager--to give a girl up to a man.

You look beautiful," Alodia says. I startle at the compliment. Then I smile. "I’m beautiful to the one person who matters."She nods. "Hector’s mouth is going to drop open when he sees you.”“I hope so. But I meant me. I’m beautiful to me.

Well, we'll have no more of such foolishness," I say harshly, to cover the wavering in my voice. "We're getting married, and that's that.

I won't lie to you. There is always a cost. All I can gurantee is that it will be the right thing.""It's insane," he says, but without vehemence."It's faith," I say.

It's the easiest thing in the world to get to California-you just aim yourself west and start walking.

I loved and lost and survived.

Men. And their no-good, fool-headed proposals.

Cosmé is in constant attendance. Though no one will take Aneaxi’s place, Cosmé is the most efficient maid I’ve ever had. I tell her so, frequently, and it gives me such a twist of pleasure to watch her react to praise from someone she despises. The Scriptura Sancta calls it “the fire of kindness.

I want to feel the victory of being desired by someone I once found desirable.

When the rain finally abates, I decide to wait out the night instead of trying to climb in the dark.

Speak of evil, and you summon it.

Reading can only take you so far, up to the moment where you must take action with your own hands

Walking away from my desert companions feels like cutting off a limb. How does one say good-bye to an arm? One doesn't, I suppose. One pretends it isn't happening.

...alone is such a nebulous state when one is queen.

Later, when we've found this mysterious ship of Hector's and are safely away, when I have time to rest and worry and a quiet corner to hide in, I will coldly remember that being a queen means being strategic. And I will imagine sending off the man I love to marry my sister. I'll rehearse it in my head, maybe. Get used to the feeling.

His Majesty, may he live forever and prosper greatly...His Majesty, may sun finches warble sweet melodies in his ear...His Majesty, may orchids bloom in the wake of his passing...His Majesty, may minstrels compose epics at the sound of his glorious name...His Majesty, may his magnificent sword shatter the breasts of his enemies...

His gaze drops to my lips. "I shouldn't do this--""You really should." And I close the distance between us.

Sometimes it's best to let your opponent think he has control.

Yes!" Belen raises his fist in a victory gesture. "We shall save the world from Invierne with slings!

In the same way that the best lies have an element of truth, maybe evil is made all the more powerful when it is accompanied by the startling presence of grace.