“My first order of business was to look in the side pocket where I had hidden my garnet and gold necklace.”

“I pulled Lena's necklace out of my pocket. I let the charms roll around in my palm, but they were tangled and meaningless without her. The necklace was heavier than I imagined, or maybe it was the weight of my conscience.”

“how many times have my wishes and my dreams and my prayers for you hidden beneath my breath? how many times have i looked at you, heart in my throat, hands in my pockets, smile on my face, just wanting to say...”

“When I sit near you, my hands suddenly become alien things and I don't know where to put them or what they usually do, like this is the first time I've ever had hands and maybe they go in my pockets and maybe they don't.”

“I'll be your minister--""Of the exchequer? You'd rob me blind.""I would never steal from you," he'd said hotly."Oh? Where is my tourmaline necklace? Where are my missing earrings?""That necklace was hideous. It was the only way to keep you from wearing it.""My earrings?""What earrings?”

“Her palace shimered with onyx, garnet, and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue.”