Calf love doesn't usually survive amputation, Your Majesty.

"Before you make a decision," he said, "I want you to know that I love you."

What kind of man refers to himself as safely dead?

She reached out and touched the king’s face, cupping his cheek in her hand. “Just a nightmare,” he said, his voice still rough. The queen’s voice was cool. “How embarrassing,” she said, looking at his maimed arm. The king looked up then, and followed her gaze. If it was embarrassing to wake like a child screaming from a nightmare, how much more embarrassing to be the reason your husband woke screaming. A quick smile visited the king’s face. “Ouch,” he said, referring to more than the pain in his side. “Ouch,” he said again as the queen gathered him into her arms.

The queen!" someone shouted in alarm, and the King erupted like a wild animal caught in a snare.

I would very much like to strangle someone. Why don't you go away until I decide it isn't you?

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