1
So here's the truth - I love you. I love everything about you — the way you stick up for people even when it costs you. The way you keep trying to do the right thing even when you're not exactly sure what the right thing is. I love how you put words together. You're as skilled with words as any knife fighter with a blade. You can put an enemy down on his back, or you can raise people up so they find what's best in themselves. You've changed my life. You've given me the words I need to become whatever I want. You don't talk down to them. You respect them, and anybody can tell you're actually interested in what they have to say. I love the way you ride a horse — how you stick there like an upland thistle, whooping like a Demonai. I love the way you throw back your head and stomp your feet when you dance. I love how you go after what you want — whether it's kisses or a queendom. I love your skin, like copper dusted over with gold. And your eyes — they're the color of a forest lake shaded by evergreens. One of the secret places that only the Demonai know about. I love the scent of you — when you've been out in the fresh air, and that perfume you put behind your ears sometimes. Believe it or not, I even love your road smell — of sweat and horses and leather and wool. I want to breathe you in for the rest of my life. .Cinda Williams Chima
2
Whoa, Rebecca, " Talia said smiling even wider, "Walking on the wild side, are we?" Raisa seemed to think the situation needed more explaining. "He - uh - I'm tutoring him."" She is, " Han said solemnly. "She's very good. I'm learning a lot." Pearlie snickered. "What's she teaching you?"" Well, " Han said, "we're jumping around a lot.Cinda Williams Chima
3
You didn't have to go to the fireworks with him. Or - or let him fondle you."" Fondle?" Raisa raised her eyebrows, "When did I mention fondling?Cinda Williams Chima
4
Did the destruction of one dream leave a vacuum that required filling with another? Is a broken heart more vulnerable?Cinda Williams Chima
5
You touch me again, you arrogant Ardenine swine, and I swear on the blood of Hanalea the warrior, I will geld you. Do you understand?Cinda Williams Chima
6
Tears stung her eyes. She sank her knees next to the sleeping bench and gently raked strands of golden hair from him forehead." Don't you die. don't you dare. I forbid it." As if Han Alister had ever listened to anything she said.Cinda Williams Chima
7
If he even survives." She shivered, and Amon put his arm around her, drawing her into his steady warmth." It's that bad?" Raisa nodded. "He looked...he looked awful, Amon. Willo doesn't know if he'll... She's worried about him. My mother died, and I never got to tell her that I loved her, that I finally understood - just a little anyway. If Han dies too, I don't know what I'll do.Cinda Williams Chima
8
Just tell me you don't love me, and I'll let the matter drop."" What?"" What I said. Just say, 'Rai, I don't love you and I never will'. It's that simple."" Raisa, this is getting us nowhere."" Say it!Cinda Williams Chima
9
Which is a sad thing when you're only seventeen.Cinda Williams Chima