Do you love me?’ he asked instead. ‘Because if you don’t, I’d wait until you did. I’d wait weeks and months and years.

No. We were jealous that Lirah had Gargarin. Cold, cold Lirah, who was bitter towards all men, loved my brother with all her heart. It made me hate her even more, because I knew this union was not one of the flesh. She hated the touch of men. He barely tolerated the touch of anyone. I couldn't bear the idea of him loving someone as much as he loved me." -Arjuro of Abroi

I trace his face with my fingers, 'Let me see. A guy tells me that he would have thrown himself in front of a train if it wasn't for me and then drives seven hours straight, without whingeing once, on a wild-goose chase in search of my mother with absolutely no clue where to start. He is, in all probability, going to get court-martialled because of me, has put up with my moodiness all day long, and knows exactly what to order me for breakfast. It doesn't get any more romantic than that, Jonah.

I'm in love. I don't want to be in love with Jacob Coote. I want to be in love with John Barton and have people look upon me with envy, but John doesn't make me feel like this. I'm beginning to realise that things don't turn out the way you want them to.and sometimes, when they don't, they can turn out just a little bit better.

Love’s easy. It kind of comes with the territory. But liking is another story.