But there are other words for privacy and independence. They are isolation and loneliness.

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

I am very good at groveling.

Anyone who can steal the king's seal ring can manage the locks on his record room.

You're awake," he said. "Phresine is not," pointed out the queen. "Oh?" "You gave her lethium." "She gave it to me first.

I hate horses. I know people who think that they are noble, graceful animals, but regardless of what a horse looks like from a distance, never forget that it's as likely to step on your foot as look at you.

The room was quiet, the others flicking glances at me. I ignored them. After years in Sounis's palaces being eyed with disgust by my uncle and my own father and courtier after courtier, I assure you I am unrivaled at pretending not to notice other people's glances.