“History does not care about the suffering of the individual. Only the outcome of their struggles.”

“I know that love is about power, too. Who gives, who takes. Who is willing to risk showing their true self.”

“Watching my father plan and strategize for the resistance has taught me about trust.” She leaned forward. “Personal trust is very different from political trust, my lady. The first thrives on faith. The second requires proof, whether it be upfront or covert.” Awkwardly, she patted my hand. “His Majesty has always been a powerful man. Perhaps he has never had to distinguish between the two.”

“There was a saying that the strength of a man’s steel was only known under the hammer of circumstance. If anyone had asked me a few hours ago, I would have said that nearly five years of boyhood had hammered me into constant fear and excessive caution. But now I realised it had done the opposite. It had shaped me into someone who stepped forwards and reached for what she wanted. It was too late for me to tuck my hands behind my back and wait like a good woman.”

“I felt something stir within me. It took a moment to recognise it. Anger.”

“ Make it right.”

“"The She of the dragon will return and ascendWhen the cycle of twelve draws to an end...""The She of the Dragoneye will restore and defendWhen the Darkforce is mastered with Hua of All Men.”