How absurd it was that in all seven kingdoms, the weakest and most vulnerable of people - girls, women - went unarmed and were taught nothing of fighting, while the strong were trained to the highest reaches of their skill.

My life is an apology for the life of my father.

Well then," Roen said briskly, "are you sleeping?" "Yes." "Come now. A mother can tell when her son lies. Are you eating?" "No," Brigan said gravely. "I've not eaten in two months. It's a hunger strike to protest the spring flooding in the south." "Gracious," Roen said, reaching for the fruit bowl. "Have an apple, dear.

A man who fights you as he does is no better than an opportunist and no worse than a thug.

He thinks we're made of money.

I don't want to love you if you're only going to die.

I'm not good at love. I'm like a barbed creature. I push everyone I love away.