From Blood and Ash

“Death is like an old friend who pays a visit when it’s least expected and other times when you’re waiting for her. It’s neither the first nor the last time she’ll pay a visit, but that doesn’t make any death less harsh or unforgiving.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice, Princess, and you never have to beg.”

“You deserve so much more than what awaits you.”

“Promise me you won’t forget this, Poppy. That no matter what happens tomorrow, the next day, next week, you won’t forget this—forget that this was real.”

“I know exactly who she is. Not what she is. Maybe you’ve forgotten that she’s not just a godsdamn inanimate object whose only purpose is to serve a kingdom, but I haven’t.”

“You’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature. Nice weapon. Bloodstone and wolven bone. Very interesting….Princess.”

“Not everything was a lie, Poppy. Not everything.”

“I’m not afraid to speak the truth. He may be powerful, but he’s just a weak man, who proves his strength by attempting to humiliate those more powerful than he is. Someone like you, with your strength? It makes him feel incompetent—which he is. And your scars? They are a testament to your fortitude. They are proof of what you survived. They are evidence of why you are here when so many twice your age wouldn’t be. They’re not ugly. Far from it. They’re beautiful, Poppy."

“Do you understand how important you are, Penellaphe? You are the Maiden. You were Chosen by the gods. Ascensions of hundreds of Ladies and Lords in Wait, all across the kingdom, are tied to yours. It will be the largest Ascension since the first Blessing. Rylan and all the Royal Guards know what is at stake if something were to happen to you.”

“No one touches her. No one. No one but me.”

“We go home to marry, my Princess.”

“I did. And I’ll say it again. I don’t care what you are. I care about who you are.”

“How dare you lay a single finger on the Maiden? Perhaps I was not clear enough for you. Remove your hand from the Maiden, or I will act upon your attempt to harm her. And I can assure you, me touching you will be the least of your concerns.”

“I’m not just going to hold you. I won’t stop at kissing you. My fingers won’t be the only thing inside you. My need for you is far too great, Poppy. If I stay, you will not walk out this door the Maiden.”

“Some truths do nothing but destroy and decay what they do not obliterate. Truths do not always set one free. Only a fool who has spent their entire life being fed lies believes that.”

“Nothing is ever simple. And when it is, it’s rarely ever worth it.”

“In a few minutes, when this storm passes, you’ll return to loathing my very existence, and for good reason. You’re going to hate that you begged me to kiss you, to do more. But even without my blood in you, I know you’ve never stopped wanting me. But when I’m deep inside you again, and I will be, you won’t be able to blame the influence of blood or anything else.”

“When has something being forbidden ever stopped you?”

“With my sword and with my life, I vow to keep you safe, Penellaphe. From this moment until the last moment, I am yours.”

“Fear and bravery are often one and the same. It either makes you a warrior or a coward. The only difference is the person it resides inside.”

“Do you understand he will have your head if you harm her? All of your heads? He said no one is to hurt her. You try to do what you want to do, all of you will die. Is that what you want, Rolf? Ivan? He will see this as a betrayal, but you still have a chance to walk away from this with your lives. You won’t if any of you take a step forward.”