“I’m scared I’m going to spend the rest of my life in a state of yearning, regardless of where I am.”

“You shy, Francesca?” Javier asks me later on.I shake my head. “Not really.” I’m just sad, I want to say. And I’m lonely.”

“I’m frightened that one morning there will not be enough to keep me going.”

“This hand says you spend the rest of your life with me," he said, holding out his left hand, "and this one says I spend the rest of my life with you. Choose."She bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. She took both of his hands in hers and he shuddered. "I will die protecting you," he says.There was a look of dismay on her face. "Just like a man of this kingdom, Finnikin. Talking of death, yours or mine, is not a good way to begin a-"Isaboe gave a small gasp when he leaned forward, his lips an inch away from hers. "I will die for you," he whispered.She cupped his face in her hands. "But promise me you'll live first. Because nothing we are about to do is going to be easy and I need you by my side.”

“And if I could bottle the look on his face, I'd keep it by my bedside for the rest of my life.”

“And suddenly I know I have to go. But this time without being chased by the Brigadier, without experiencing the kindness of a postman from Yass, and without taking along a Cadet who will change the way I breath for the rest of my life.”

“I'm scared to die," I whispered as Michael walked in."He was scared to live," he said kissing my forehead.”