“Best slop ever.”

“I've learned it's best to approach you from the front, for the sake of my well-being.”

“I don't think I've ever said this before, but it's time I did. I'm in love with you Narian.”

“In the end, the best for which one could hope was to leave the world in better straits than existed on the day of your birth; to truly have lived. And oh, how Cannan, the Captain of the Guard, had lived.”

“The choice is yours.Either way, I will be faultless. So ask yourself, would you rather take credit for an eyesore or for a work of art?"His speech complete, he sank onto the sofa, stretching his arms out across its back, a grin spreading across his face. I had not thought this through, that much was evident, but now that I had commenced it, I would not give n to him."You could change. More easily than could I.""True," he ackowledged with a chuckle. "But I look perfect.""Well,I'm sure you could look perfect in something else.""Oh,doubtless, but why duplicate what is perfect when one could improve what is not?"I wanted to kill him. I wanted to close that infuriatingly divine mouth once and for all, and if ending his life were the way to do it, I was willing to take that step.Instead, I took a deep breath and tried again."If I change, my hair will be ruined.""You know,dear, something really should be done about your hair in any case. I told you to wear it down. And mind you switch tiaras.""We're almost last as it is," blustered, trying to keep my tone civil, thought inside I was burning. "You could change more quickly.""Not necessarily.You already know the gown into which you will change. I would have to search for something less elegant to match the dress you have on, but still formal enough for the occasion. And honestly,have you ever seen me in anything that might go with sky blue?"I fell silent, for as much as I hated to admit it, he had a valid argument. He generally wore dark or rich colors, nothing similar to my gown. I despised myself for what I was about to do."I'll wait," Steldor said, accurately reading my expression.”

“I will weep for you, brother.”

“He [London] also wanted to warn her against befriending the young man." "And did she stay away from him?" Steldor pressed, his eyes narrowing, and I suspected he already knew the answer. Destari wavered for an instant, reading Steldor's expression, but in the end answered straightforwardly."No, Your Majesty, she did not.”