Maxon lowered his lips to mine and gave me the faintest whisper of a kiss. Something about the tentativeness of it made me feel beautiful. Without a word, I could understand how excited he was to have this moment, but then afraid at the same time. And deeper than any of that, I sensed that he adored me. So this is what it felt like to be a lady.

I've tried to make choices. You don't really trust me to.

It was almost comforting, this mutual acceptance of our secrets.

Ah yes, the man or the crown. I'm afraid some can't tell the difference.

I'm sure you would have stopped it if you could have." "In a heartbeat.

He wasn’t allowed to come with me there—my own rule for this little adventure. No more. Good-bye, Aspen.

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