He stared at her perfect lips. “God, if you have made a way for us to be together,” he whispered, “then let me awaken her with this kiss of true love.” Slowly, he leaned toward her, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled softly then reached up and touched his cheek. He covered her hand with his. “You are well?” “Yes.” Her voice was breathy. “Thank you. But if it’s all right, I think I will sleep a bit more.

You aren’t worthy because of what you’ve done, son, because no one can ever do enough to be truly worthy because God gave His Son to make us worthy.

May I ask if you have experience in the realm of shaving men?” “You may, and I do.” He’d never seen such a confident, impertinent smile on her face. He frowned. “You’re enjoying this too much.” “Forgive me. I am simply happy. Now hold still so that I don’t cut you.

His squire’s voice broke through the haze of rage that had settled in his head.

She danced as if nothing had ever made her so happy. She smiled as if it was only for him. He hoped those smiles meant she liked him, because he hoped to dance only with her at the ball tomorrow night.

Christians were forgiven and therefore must forgive.

A person’s heart should be what she was judged by, rather than whose blood ran in her veins.

Every eye was on her, including her stepmother’s and stepsisters’, she thought absently. But Gisela only had eyes for Valten.

The fierce look on his face softened to the look he wore for no one but her.

Even with dirt on her face and dress, she took his breath away.