1
Children make prayers so thoughtlessly, building them up like sand castles–and they are always surprised when suddenly the castle becomes real, and the iron gate grinds shut.Catherynne M. Valente
2
However wretched her origins, she chose freely to continue her crimes against us from the moment she woke to this life. It is easy to forgive beautiful women, especially when they lay a sorrowful tale before you like a sugar-dusted meal. It does not mean they deserve forgiveness.Catherynne M. Valente
3
It appeals to the higher nature of the self to put aside food which once lived - I do not consider myself food, why should I ask all other creatures to consider themselves so?Catherynne M. Valente
4
The oligarchs do not care what justice is, only what seems just. They do not care what mercy is, only what appears merciful. Thus justice and mercy will always escape them.Catherynne M. Valente
5
Stories, ' the green-eyed Sigrid said, unperturbed, 'are like prayers. It does not matter when you begin, or when you end, only that you bend a knee and say the words.Catherynne M. Valente
6
Thieves are not so bad, and killing wears all possible costumes. There is no death, no murder that is better than any other. If you can kill me, the manner hardly bears consideration. You want to kill your own father, and you think it will make your sleep easier for the next seventy years if you can say you did it honorably. But your honor is blackened by patricide, and no amount of high-sounding formalities will make it white again.Catherynne M. Valente
7
Never put your faith in a Prince. When you require a miracle, trust in a Witch.Catherynne M. Valente
8
Woman! Come out! I have–" She looked down at the bloodless grass, embarrassed. "I have come to rescue you, " she finally said, as if admitting that she were covered in boils.Catherynne M. Valente
9
Yes, yes, mistress, I shall go and accomplish your task. Only–I was not only sent to kill the Leucrotta. There is a maiden in a tower–" At this the Witch spat, again rolling her marvelous eyes. "Those revolting creatures are always getting themselves locked up. If only they would stay that way.Catherynne M. Valente
10
You'll forgive the flowery talk, won't you? Our family does so love to be told they are beautiful. Vanity is an old and venerable habit.Catherynne M. Valente