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Prologue - Chapter 7
"In the end, he knew it was always going to be the same. The world would end, and he would remain like this–always fighting, always struggling, and always alone.."
—Lucian, end of prologue
Chris didn’t look guilty, only tired. “My people needed a leader, not a hunter. And I didn’t bring you because–” “Because I don’t know when to be one, either.”
—Lucian and Chris, chapter 1
"Okay. You and me, one last time."
—Lucian to Chris, end of chapter 1
"For a minute, the only sound was Thomas’s own heartbeat in his ears. He would never admit it to anyone or even to Rowen, but his relationship with his father was always better when his sister was with them. It wasn’t that Thomas felt they didn’t love each other, or that he thought his father saw him as lesser. Thomas couldn’t pinpoint when it happened, but somewhere along the lines of studying politics and of staring at the throne that would one day be his own, in learning how to be a proper prince, he forgot how to be a son."
—Thomas, chapter 2
"“But let’s say it will,” He interrupted, taking a step towards Thomas, his eyes never once leaving the boy’s face. “Let’s say that an army attacks at this very moment. Your father is gone and no one is here to help. It’s only you. Do you just stand there and get torn apart? Would you abandon your kingdom and leave it to its end?” Thomas flinched. “That’s not…That’s not true.” He stood in the quiet of Lucian’s words. “My father, he does hold things close to him. He has my Mother, Rowen.” Me. “But he holds the power to protect them,” Lucian replied. “You do not."
—Lucian and Thomas, chapter 2
"For a moment, all Thomas could feel was a sudden, all-consuming affection–not for anything in particular. For everything. For the air in his lungs and for the distant sound of his sister’s footsteps. For the man sitting beside him that, against all odds, Thomas found he might actually like beyond mere tolerance. For the levity that had started to chase away the more tiring thoughts. "
—Thomas, Chapter 3
"“Loyalty is the most meaningful gift.” Mother sighed softly. She reached out her arm, until she was holding Lucian’s cheek. “I do hope, my boy,” she continued, “that you find people that you can trust more than your own name. You deserve that, and far more, for everything you’ve done for me and my family.”."
—Yvette to Lucian. chapter 3
"Rowen had left before she could hear the rest of the conversation. Looking back on it, perhaps she wanted to protect her image of her older brother, because older brothers are never scared of anything. They never bled. They never cowered. Older brothers are forever, and she had to preserve that ideal until it disappeared."
—Rowen, chapter 4
"And now, just having reached fifteen and her brother on the edge of nineteen, Rowen was the oldest she’d ever been, but has never felt so young."
—Rowen, chapter 4
"Rowen knew there was a lean chance for next time, but she took Faye’s hand anyway. Faye’s hand was soft and sun-warmed, a stark comparison to Rowen’s. She drew her hand away quickly. Faye pretended not to notice. “I should get back to training now,” Faye said, turning away. “With less casualties this time, swear it. I’ll see you around, princess.” “See you later, Faye.” "
—Rowen and Faye, chapter 4
"His mouth twisted. “You sound as if a poet killed your family.” “It’s not poets I dislike, in fact, I believe that most of them would agree. Whatever you’re dealing with, I’m sure using art to run from it won’t last too long.” “Oh, and you’re not any better?” “You’re an awfully presumptuous prince, it pains me to see you squander what you have.” “It pains you?” “It is the single blight upon my soul.” “The single bli–oh. You’re joking.”"
—Thomas and Eloise, chapter 4
"Lucian, turning to Thomas, handed him something, pressing it into his palm. Thomas looked at his hands. It was a letter. Crumpled and creased. Tear-stained–by his own tears. Lucian, it read. I’m sorry. Tell the kids I’m sorry. Make Thomas know that he will be a far better king than I was. The world fell out from under Thomas’s feet, leaving him free falling, with no end in sight."
—Thomas, chapter 5
"“Tell me you’ll stay even when it’s over.” Thomas begged, even as he felt his consciousness slipping. “Thomas I–” Lucian mumbled something far too quiet to hear, and then said. “Okay. I promise”"
—Thomas and Lucian, chapter 5
"She knows she shouldn’t be this angry. All three of them have said worse things to each other in the past, to and about each other, but it never went like this. Perhaps it was because they were under the memories of their parents. Perhaps it was because it was their first proper conversation in days. Or perhaps, it was because Thomas was right. He was always right."
—Rowen, chapter 5
"“Rowen,” Thomas whispered. “You couldn’t stop it.” That was all it took. That was what broke Rowen. The tears came, and she buried her face in his chest, all that time of guilt and fear, walking on eggshells around her brother, fearing that he’d hate her for good. This wasn’t hate, though. Not at all. It was just the two of them. No voices. No secrets."
—Thomas and Rowen, chapter 6
"Most of them had never seen their king before now, but they’d all heard the tale of a boy crowned on the eve of his nineteenth birthday after his father mysteriously vanished–or died, or was assassinated, depending on which rumors you chose to believe–and was guided by his quiet advisor. That tale also said that the king was kind, with starry-eyed dreams that came from his youth, and that his younger sister could win over anyone with her humor and wit. But now, standing together, they seemed as different as the night was to the day."
—Chapter 7
"At fifteen years old, Faye was the oldest she’d ever been, but has never felt so young."
—Faye, chapter 7
"That was the real issue, wasn’t it? The devastation that came with what-ifs. Rowen didn’t understand why, but she found herself thinking of the girl that had nearly killed her with that spear, the whole situation was somehow ironic to her as of now. But she felt, or she knew that if they had properly met, they’d be closer than simply getting along."
—Rowen, chapter 7
Chapter 8 - Chapter 14
Chapter 15 - Chapter 18
Chapter 19 - Chapter 23
Chapter 24 - Epilogue
