And they always slept better with blades beneath their beds.

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.

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.

You touch me again, you arrogant Ardenine swine, and I swear on the blood of Hanalea the warrior, I will geld you. Do you understand?

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.

Falling in love was like falling off a cliff. It felt pretty much like flying until you hit the ground.

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