Morgan Rhodes, Rebel Spring

"She could think of no other reason for this boy to continue to visit her if not to use her in some way."

"Sometimes, to regain sanity, one had to acknowledge and embrace the madness."

"What? Who are you marrying?”His jaw tightened.“Princess Cleiona Bellos.”Lucia could not believe her ears. “This has been arranged.”Magnus gave her a look.“Oh, not at all. Since helping to take her father's kingdom and destroy her life,I couldn’t help but fall madly in love with her. Yes,obviously it was arranged."

"But before she could speak another word, he crushed his mouth against hers. It was so unexpected that she hadn't the chance to even think of pushing him away. His body pressed her firmly against the rough cave wall. His hands slid down to her waist to pull her closer to him. And just like that, with his proximity, with his kiss, he managed to fill her every sense. He was smoke from the campfire, he was leaves and moss and the night itself. There was nothing gentle in the rebel's kiss, nothing sweet or kind. It was like nothing she'd ever experience before, and so very dangerous—every bit as deadly as the kiss of an arrow. Finally, he pulled back just a little, his dark eyes glazed as if half drunk."Princess..." He cupped her face between his hands, his breath ragged. Her lips felt bruised. "I suppose that's how Paelsians show their anger and frustration?"

"Darkness became her world..."

"I believe we make our own destinies, every last one of us."

"But there was nothing else she could be right now except strong."

"Evil is a choice one makes, not a natural state of being."

"There was no hope in death, only an end."

"I think most are too afraid to see the truth."