Lyall had spent centuries nibbling about the great layered cake that was polite society while Lord Akeldama acted the part of the frosting on its top.

She was no closer to determining who might want her dead. There were just too many possibilities.

The vampire's eyes were open, and he was staring at her intently. It was as though he were trying to speak to her with simply the power of a glare. Alexia did not speak glare-ish.

I'd rather be loyal than right.

But we were talking about me and my problems." Sophronia looked Monique up and down gravely. "I don't think we're going to solve those in the space of one carriage ride.

Uh, my lord, I am not actually food. You do realize this, yes?

Classic author moment, "Oh dear, did I kill that character or not?