“Just friends, she reminded herself. They were only friends, and would only be friends from here on out. It was a friendship that was to be cherished, as she cherished all the friendships she'd made...”

“My point is that I am going to figure this out, like I always do. First, were going to find a way to get into Artemisia. Were going to find Cress and rescue Cinder and Wolf. Were going to overthrow...”

“There was an edge to his expression, like he didn't trust anyone who was more attractive than he was.”

“I passed out from stress? Thats it?I believe the princess term is fainted, said Thorne.”

“You mean she doesnt intend to blow me up before the ceremony? said Kai, taking the box. How disappointing.”

“He was surprised at how angry he sounded -no, how angry he felt. Because it was impossible. It was impossible and unfair, and he had spent too many years in the trenches of unfairness to get riled ...”

“What did you bring me today? Delusional mutterings with a side of crazy?”

“Winter shook her head, apology swimming in her amber eyes. Scarlet would have wanted to hug her if she hadnt simultaneously wanted to strangle her.”

“This is Winter," said Scarlet. "Princess Winter."Thorne guffawed and pushed a hand into his hair. "Are we running a boardinghouse for misplaced royalty around here, or what?”