Mom was bossy. Even in print I could hear her tone, smugly congratulating me on already earning the prince's affections and telling me firmly to keep up whatever I was doing. Yeah, Mom, I'll just keep telling the prince that he has absolutely no shot with me and offend him as often as I can. Great plan.

Any girl who would risk her life for someone she loves certainly deserves to be called a lady.

Yes, Maxon," I whispered. "It’s possible.

I hope you find someone you can't live without.I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them.

Your Majesty— Tugging my ear. Whenever.

If she cries, I want to wear pants for a week," I offered. "Done," Maxon said. "And if she doesn't, you owe me a walk around the grounds tomorrow afternoon." "You drive a hard bargain, sir, but I accept.

You are not the world, but you are everything that makes the world good.