We're all damaged somehow."-A Great and Terrible Beauty

Do not be tempted by English roses. Their beauty fades, but their thorns are forever.

It keeps her purity vacum-sealed to preserve its freshness for her future husband.

Really? And what curse befalls the Adams of the world?" Ann opens her mouth and, presumably thinking of nothing to say, closes it again. It is Felicity who answers, eyes steely. "They are weak to temptation. And we are their temptresses.

Felicity ignores us. She walks out to them, an apparition in white and blue velvet, her head held high as they stare in awe at her, the goddess. I don't know yet what power feels like. But this is surely what it looks like, and I think I'm beginning to understand why those ancient women had to hide in caves. Why our parents and suitors want us to behave properly and predictably. It's not that they want to protect us; it's that they fear us.

I change the world, the world changes me.

You must remember, my dear lady, the most important rule of any successful illusion: First, the people must want to believe in it.