Sometimes, we must learn to open our hearts and grow to love someone we think we might not be able to. It’s the lot of women, especially noble women. We are little more than property, bargaining chips, or chains that hold alliances together. That is the price we pay for our comfort, riches, and titles.

Never apologize for speaking your feelings to me, Your Grace. But take comfort in this; I will never let anyone harm you. Not Peter or his aunt or anyone else who might be lurking in the shadows. You will outlive them all, I will personally see to it.

It’s a guy thing. You offer to feed us and we will agree to just about anything.

I try to smile, but it’s hollow. Of course, I want my father to be happy and have his lands and title secure; I only wish I didn’t have to sell my soul to Russia to do it.

I will keep the people I love safe. Even if that means letting them.

I know that while I care for him deeply, he could never break my heart. For my heart rests in no one’s hands but my own now.

Yes, it will hurt for some time. Things have to hurt before they can heal. That is the way of life.

When waging a war of the heart, you must only fight if you are absolutely sure you can win.

Sometimes, the only choices you have are horrible ones,” she says. “But you must still choose. That is when you know you are strong, and there is grace in the struggle.

And I would do it again. I would die a thousand times, if each time I could wake up to your face.