“There was a saying that a man's true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.”

“He gave me a message for you.” She tightened her lips as if the words soured her mouth.“What is it?”“That you are in his blood.”I looked down at the deck to hide the answering surge within my own blood.“Those are the words of a lover, Eona.”

“There was a saying that a man's true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.”

“There was a saying that the strength of a man’s steel was only known under the hammer of circumstance. If anyone had asked me a few hours ago, I would have said that nearly five years of boyhood had hammered me into constant fear and excessive caution. But now I realised it had done the opposite. It had shaped me into someone who stepped forwards and reached for what she wanted. It was too late for me to tuck my hands behind my back and wait like a good woman.”

“You have far more courage than you think you do.”

“I know that love is about power, too. Who gives, who takes. Who is willing to risk showing their true self.”

“You have forced your way into my Hua, Eona. Change me. First, by your power- then, just by who you are.”

“Men were always quick to believe in the madness of women.”

“Watching my father plan and strategize for the resistance has taught me about trust.” She leaned forward. “Personal trust is very different from political trust, my lady. The first thrives on faith. The second requires proof, whether it be upfront or covert.” Awkwardly, she patted my hand. “His Majesty has always been a powerful man. Perhaps he has never had to distinguish between the two.”

“Don't say anything. Just act cool," I whispered.Mavkel started to shiver."Like this?" it asked."No, I mean act calm."Mavkel stopped shivering.”

“I found power in accepting the truth of who I am. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I cannot live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life.”