“Your language, dear," Victoria reproved gently. "A lady never curses in public. There are much better ways to handle the delicate male ego." Keiley paused. "With a two-by-four?" she asked. Victoria's lips pursed a smile tugged at her lips. "Only as a last resort," she murmured humorously. "And never in public.”

“There are much better ways to handle the delicate male ego.With a two-by-four?Only as a last resort and never in public.”

“Victoria glares at him. 'It doesn't mean anything if you don't mean it.'Zach smiles. 'My dear, I never mean it.”

“What happened? Did a house fall on your sister?" I asked. Maybe there was a benefit to our language barrier. She pursed her lips."You can't stay here much longer," she said.My mouth dropped open."You...you speak English?"She snorted. "Of course.”

“If this is the way Queen Victoria treats her prisoners, she doesn't deserve to have any.”

“Ember pulled his face to hers, kissing him again before she said, “Your strength gives me courage.” He smiled gently. “No, Ember, that is all your strength and none of mine.” She balked, but he kissed her, murmuring against her lips, “And that is why I love you.”