I promised I will always protect you. You've been wounded badly because I've failed to keep that promise.[...]But I won´t fail you in this, Rachel. no matter what has happened. No matter what you've done. No matter what you will do. I will always love you. I swear it.

Crying over their children’s hearts is what mothers do.

Of course, I believe most of the older noblemen are actually bringing their sons - only ones eligible for marriage, of course - to dance with me. The consensus seems to be that I would make a pretty good catch.You aren't going to marry a boring nobleman's boring son.No?No, because if one proposes to you, he'll be eaten by morning. Dragons have very healthy appetites.Draconi don't eat people.I've been looking for a new hobby.

Sometimes it hurts to love someone. I wouldn't change it, though. I wouldn't change a single thing. I love you.

I ache to hear her tell me she loves me, but forcing her to put words to how she feels pushes her further into the silence she seems comfortable calling home now. I tell myself to be patient and understanding, but inside there's a longing only those words will fill, and it hurts to ignore it.