“If their social institutions were abhorrent, their unwritten constitution bordered upon the absurd. The absolutist monarchs of the ancient kingdoms of Amara looked with detestation at the Shazarian constitutional monarchy. Yet this was no time to demonstrate loathing of the upstart nation; condescension could wait until after Sixto had been defeated.”

“Everything has changed, and nothing has altered. Oh, what a fate.”

“The ambition of men compels them to break even the most heartfelt vows.”

“We are just peasants with money.”

“It is far too late for bloodless hands.”

“Beware the wounded lioness, for she is a natural hunter.”

“I love you for unfathomable reasons”

“There are no moral obligations in the game of empire.”

“Seconds feel like centuries when I am not in your presence.”

“Even in peace there is war.”

“Crowns are hourly tumbling.”