How acutely sometimes the presence or absence of people mattered

Your brothers are the foolish ones for not seeing the strength in beautiful things.

He leaned heavily on the desk now, as if danger had strengthened him before and its lack now made him weak.

Danzhol. The one with the marriage proposal and the objections to the town charter in central Monsea. "Bacon," Bitterblue muttered. "Bacon!" she repeated, then carefully made her way up the spiral stairs.

But you're better than I am, Katsa. And it doesn't humiliate me. It humbles me. But it doesn't humiliate me.

The kingdoms' people were at the mercy of the natures of those who rose to be their rulers. It was a gamble, and the current generation did not make for a winning hand.

And you may blame me for your feelings, but it isn't fair to blame me for how you've chosen to behave.