“But my father’s is closest. (Emily)A wounded hawk doesn’t bed down in a fox’s den. (Draven)”

“I didn’t think you’d allow me to attend. (Emily)I’m a beast, Emily, not a bastard. (Draven)”

“Do you know what a friend is, milord? (Emily)An enemy in disguise. (Draven)”

“I should be mortified, I know. But Alys is a good friend to me, and though she has her faults, she has a good and generous heart.(Emily)And is that all that matters to you? (Draven)Aye. People will always make mistakes, but in the end ‘tis their heart that matters most. (Emily)”

“Oh, Draven. You’re my hero too! If not for you, that mean old boar would have eaten me alive. (Simon)Get off me, you nimble-pated gelding. (Draven)”

“I’ve had worse. (Draven)Such as? (Simon)The day my heart was ripped out of me. I assure you the king’s executioner could never equal the pain I felt the day I saw our mother die. (Draven)”

“Draven stood below the gate disrobing. Slowly, and piece by piece, he removed his sword, his surcoat, his mail armor, and then his padded aketon until there was nothing left but the wealth of tawny skin gleaming in the sunlight. Stark naked, he walked toward the gate. Emily bit back her tears as she understood. "You asked me for proof of his feelings, Majesty. You now have it!”