We are not philosophers, we are sovereigns. The rules that govern our behavior are not the rules for other men, and our honor, I think, is a different thing entirely, difficult for anyone but the historians and the gods to judge.

I am very good at groveling.

What he brought out was a wooden gag they put in someone's mouth before doing something drastic, like cutting off a leg.

I sometimes believe his lies are the truth, but I have never mistaken his truth for a lie.

A little danger adds spice to life.

Staring at the wall opposite him he presented the queen with a view of his ear and awaited her orders.

Ornon said, "I have seen him jump across atriums four stories above the ground, a distance that would make your blood freeze, and I heard him once confess that he sometimes thinks the distance is beyond him. He always jumps, Your Majesty. The Thieves are not trained in self-preservation. I beg you would take my advice.