“It’s okay, Kriss. Have some pie,” Natalie offered.”

“I only really ever hug my mother. Is this okay?” he asked. I laughed. “It’s hard to get a hug wrong.”

“Yes, Maxon," I whispered. "It’s possible.”

“If you don’t want me to be in love with you, you’re going to have to stop looking so lovely. First thing tomorrow I’m having your maids sew some potato sacks together for you.”

“It’s because I’m so good-looking, isn’t it?”

“You’re too beautiful for your own good. Once you leave, we’ll have to send some of the guards with you. You’ll never survive on your own, poor thing.”

“History isn’t something you study. It’s something you should just know.”