Just head over to the risers, Lady America," she said. "You may sit anywhere you like. So you know, most of the girls have already claimed the front row." She looked sorry for me, as if she were delivering bad news. "Oh, thank you," I said, and went happily to take a seat in the back.

You’re an idiot, Maxon Schreave. Your parents have completely sabotaged you. You could have a thousand girls set before you, and it wouldn’t matter. You’re too stupid to see love when it stands right in front of you.

There are some things you don't learn about yourself until you let someone else into the most intimate places of your heart.

She had brillant red hair, like honey and roses and the sun all together.

I only really ever hug my mother. Is this okay?” he asked. I laughed. “It’s hard to get a hug wrong.

You don't do that. You don't just leave your family. Sticking together... it's the only way to survive.

So here I was expecting at the very best a cordial welcome from the girls who were prepared to fight me to the death for someone I didn’t want. Instead I was embraced.