“The first arrow hit me right between the breast.”

“I beg your pardon," I said. "But you do intend to eat me?”

“Dard, [...] forgive me, but I wasn't in love with you. I wanted you. That's a very different thing. I like you and I enjoy your company, and for a while I lusted for you. But I don't want to go north with you and be your queen. Even if I were in love with you I wouldn't want that. I swore an oath when i became an officer and I can't, and won't, surrender my allegiance to my king.”

“Honor is no phantom. Duty doesn't melt away, no matter how much we might wish it to.”

“I want to meet life head on. That way it can't bite me in the a$$”

“Logic doesn't overcome pain.”

“Tell me why.” My voice shook. “Tell me right now.”