“Don't let him upset you," Niko told the four softly. "He's old and he's frightened.""You're as old as him, and you aren't scared of us," Briar pointed out.Niko glared at him. "Thank you so much," he retorted waspishly.”

“Not too fast," called Raoul. "Let's not scare anyone.""His majesty said with all deliberate speed!" chirped the courier. He flinched under Lerant's glare. "That's how we're doing it," Raoul told him. "Deliberately.”

“Briar: "So I guess I was the last to know." Rosethorn: "Of course you are. You're a man, aren't you?”

“She glared at him. "Why are you forever asking hard questions?"He smiled. "Sooner or later you'll have to be able to answer one."Daja shoved him, grinning.”

“You didn't kill him. He would have killed you, but you didn't kill him.""So? He was stupid. If I killed everyone who was stupid, I wouldn't have time to sleep.”

“You aren't a bit romantic, are you?" he asked, amused.She sat back and stared at him. She was beginning to think that Neal required a keeper. He seemed to have the craziest ideas. "Romance? Isn't that love stuff?" She asked finally."It's more than just love. It's color, and-and fire. You don't want things magnificent and filled with-with grandeur," he said, trying to make her understand. "You know, drama. Importance. Transcendent Passion.""I just want to be a knight," Kel retorted, putting her used tableware on her tray. "Eat your vegetables. They're good for you.”

“At last Niko dropped his hands, and opened his eyes. His perfect tree illusion solidified and settled."Very nice," said Briar with approval. "Couldn't have done better myself""Couldn't do it at all yourself," muttered Tris.Briar ignored her. "But you'd never find a cork oak in these parts. Too cold."Niko looked down his nose at the boy. "I beg your pardon?"Briar shrugged. "Just thought I'd mention it."Niko glared.”