I was a candle that had never known a flame, and now that the flame was lit, I softened and glowed in a way I had not known was possible.

You speak of love? Love is a sickness that causes men and women to do stupid things, the sorts of things that leave them sad and broken when the fever passes.

Being strong does not disqualify you from being beautiful.

Rich only matters if he marries you," I said grimly. "Handsome matters not at all.