"“The trouble with you,” the Ugly Girl said, “is that you think you know just what everyone should do, don’t you?” The…"

"“In real life, my sweet poet,” the duke said as the swordsmen circled, “words can never be undone.”"

"Honest change? Honest? Has someone altered the definition of the word while my back was turned, or have you recently …"

"“Tell me about the city, then.” The master shrugged. “It’s crowded. It smells. There are lots of things to buy.”"

"“You founded the place. Why don’t you want to go?” “I don’t like children,” the duke replied. “Then why put out all t…"

"Is this politics? I suppose I am going to have to learn all about it, if I am to run Lord Ferris’s household, and thr…"

"“Abjuring love? Real people don’t do that. Now you’re the one who sounds like someone on a stage. That’s not the real…"

"In a city where most of the wealth is controlled by a small few, certain things are overlooked, particularly when it …"

"I’m the Duke of Riverside. I build things here and pretty much keep the peace, and discourage certain behaviors. If y…"

"“I thought I would be safe here.” “You are.” For the first time, he touched her, touched her hand. “Safe from everyth…"