It was a peculiar marriage of interests- Lord Averill and Captain Byrne and Lord Bayar and Han Alister agreeing on anything was as rare as gold in Ragmarket.

I live in the present because the future is always chancy. When it comes to being with you, I'm willing to take the risk.

Just a rat, she repeated to herself. After all, there were rats in the palace. Human and otherwise. Could be worse.

The time will come when you will be forced to make a choice,” Hanalea said. “When that time comes, choose love.

I've found it wise to enjoy any time of truce, while recognizing it for what it is. A truce.

Tears stung her eyes. She sank her knees next to the sleeping bench and gently raked strands of golden hair from him forehead. "Don't you die. don't you dare. I forbid it." As if Han Alister had ever listened to anything she said.

And it's not just a matter of you hurting me. I will hurt you too, even if I don't want to, I'm not the girl you think I am. And you will remember this conversation , and wish that you'd listened to me.