“Do your kind even know what love is? Can you feel anything at all, or is it just... programmed?”

“Cinder twisted up her lips. "Do you think it could have a virus?""Maybe her programming was overwhelmed by Prince Kai's uncanny hotness.”

“Imagine there was a cure, but finding it would cost you everything. It would completely ruin your life. What would you do?”

“Kai cleared his throat. Stood straighter. "I assume you are going to the ball?""I-I don't know. I mean, no. No, I'm sorry, I'm not going to the ball."Kai drew back, confused. "Oh well... but... maybe you would change your mind? Because I am, you know.""The prince.""Not bragging," he said quickly. "Just a fact.”

“I know this is stupid, but part of me felt like if I could come see you today, if I could convince you to go with me tonight, then maybe I could still change things. It's dumb, I know. It's not like Levana cares if I, you know, might have actual feelings for someone.”

“I don't know. I don't actually remember anything from before the surgery."His eyebrows rose, his blue eyes sucking in all the light of the room. "The cybernetic opetation?""No, the sex change."The doctor's smile faltered."I'm joking.”

“You could move to Europe.""You know, I've actually been considering that lately."Kai laughed again, the warmth returning to the sound. "If that's not a vote of confidence, I don't know what is.”