"If you do not act, the world dies, and you with it. Surely survival is worth a little effort? Unless you are so eager…"

"Your passion and loyalty do you credit, Hans, but they do little to convince me that you also possess a brain."

"Magic is only useful against those with an affinity to magic."

"“His heart and mind must be pure. He must put aside fornication—” Sagitta chuckled. “Dear Father, sex is the ultimate…"

"“I want so much.” Haakon laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “So do we all.” The prince straightened. “And only …"

"“I confess a fascination and love for clocks.” “Why?” asked Sagitta. “There is something so reassuring about a device…"

"“What magic is this” asked one young German thickly. ”Not magic. Science. Preferable to magic.” “Oh really?” said Sag…"

"Expediency is the god of princes."

"There is no kindness at courts, only greed and lies and pain."

"He suddenly remembered Prince John Maurice’s assessment of the situation in a recent letter: The government lost its …"