Morgan Rhodes Quotes

I believe with all my heart, that Magnus is a worthy and superior successor to your current king. Therefore, I ask today that you reject Gaius Damora as your leader and take Prince Magnus as your new king. He will right the wrongs that have overtaken Mytica. And he will make Gaius Damora pay for all he has destroyed. ~ Morgan Rhodes

She passed close enough to Magnus that, for a moment, Cleo thought he might reach out and snap her neck, but he didn't. That, Cleo felt, was unfortunate. ~ Morgan Rhodes

You're the same as you were yesterday and the day before. Nothing has changed. Not really. Forget what troubles you. Regret nothing, but learn from any mistakes you make. Tomorrow will be a brighter day, I promise. ~ Morgan Rhodes

You seem rather obsessed with Magnus. Perhaps next time I should try to arrange a meeting between the two of you instead. ~ Morgan Rhodes

King Gaius began to laugh. It was a dark sound edged in danger and it made a chill run up Magnus's back as it echoed through the cavernous hall. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Choices, princess. Life seems to be all about them. ~ Morgan Rhodes

There are no guarantees in this life, only strong possibilities. That's enough for me. ~ Morgan Rhodes

It didn't really matter who someone was, princess, peasant, rebel, or just a boy or a girl. ~ Morgan Rhodes

He felt at his face, wondering what the hot dampness was. For a moment he thought he was bleeding. Swearing under his breath, he pushed the tears away, vowing that they would be the last he ever shed. Strength, not weakness, was what he needed from this day forward. ~ Morgan Rhodes

She was his princess. No. She was his goddess. With her golden skin and golden hair. She was his light. His life. His everything.
He loved her more than anything else in this world. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Another thing we have in common - a love of our individual lands. That's good. So, tell me, princess, will you continue to fight me on everything I do? Or will you be nice and cooperate?" Cleo didn't speak for a long, silent moment. But then she met his gaze full-on, and it was every bit as fierce as his was. "Fine. I'll cooperate. But I might not be nice about it." He couldn't help but laugh. "I can live with that. ~ Morgan Rhodes

If you want something, you have to take it. Because nobody's ever going to give it to you. So we're going to take back what has been taken from us. Ad then we'l' create a better future for Paelsia. A better future for us all. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Darkness will always try to extinguish the light. The light will always try to repress the darkness. ~ Morgan Rhodes

looking fiercely at Kyan. "Lucia," Kyan said calmly, taking a seat again. "It's fine." "No, it's not." In the space of a heartbeat, Lucia had grown ready to peel the skin from this loathsome thief one inch at a time for this insult. "Oh, you've got some fire in you, don't you?" The thief's loathsome gaze slid over her open cloak as he nodded with leering approval. "I like pretty young girls with fight in them. Makes it more interesting." "Kyan," Lucia snarled. "Can I kill him?" "Not quite yet. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Follow you heart wherever it leads. Appreciate life, Cleo. It's a gift that can be stolen at any time. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I've found rumors have much in common with feathers. It's rare that either holds much weight. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I'm going to continue keeping an eye on him, Becca said. If he does anything shady, I'll report back. I swear I won't let anything bad happen to you if I can help it.
He nodded as he collected the copper box and began to follow after Barnabas. The feeling is entirely mutual, Becca Hatcher. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Why did men always find it necessary to comment on whether or not a woman's exterior pleased them? She knew she was beautiful. No need to constantly restate it, as if doing so would earn one points in a game. ~ Morgan Rhodes

But even the coldest hate can shift into something warmer if given enough time, just as an ugly caterpillar can turn into a beautiful butterfly. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Sometimes you don't realize how strong you are until you're tested ~ Morgan Rhodes

If every mortal looked at others as their friends, not as their enemies, the world would be a much better place, wouldn't it? ~ Morgan Rhodes

You must draw from that strength. You must increase it. And you must hold on to it because sometimes that small glimmer of inner strength is all that we have to help us press forward through the darkness. ~ Morgan Rhodes

A KISS! A KISS!" the crowd chanted.
(...)
"I dont know," Cleo began, sickened by the thought of it. How far was she willing to go to appear agreeable? "Quite honestly, it seems like a bad--"

Magnus took a tight hold of her arm and turned her around. Before she could say another word, he put his hand behind her neck, drew her closer to him, and kissed her.

Every muscle in her body stiffened. It was the sensation of being a bird caught in a hinter's trap. Her wings screamed out for her to fly away as fast and as far as possible. But he held her firmly in place, his mouth against hers, soft but demanding a response.

She gripped the front of his shirt. It was all too much--she wasn't sure if she was pushing him away or pulling him closer. Much like diving into deep water, she had no idea which way would find her air to breathe or which way would drag her down deeper into the depths where she would surely drown.

And for a moment, just a moment, she found it didn't seem to matter.

The warmth of his body against hers on such a cold day, his now-familiar scent of sandalwood, the heat of his mouth against hers...it all made her head spin, and logic fell away. ~ Morgan Rhodes

That is your greatest mistake. The love you felt for him wasn't love at all - it was obsession. Real love means sacrifice, not selfishness. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Because if you don't choose to fight against the wrong in the world, then you are the wrong in the world. ~ Morgan Rhodes

She was murdered by rebels.' He took in her unconcealed look of shock. 'So there you go. Something for you to celebrate.'
Magnus turned away from her, ready to find solace in his chambers, but the princess grabbed his arm to stop him. He sent a dark look at her over his shoulder.
'I would never celebrate death, no matter whose it is,' she said, her gaze filled with anger and something else. Something that looked vaguely like sympathy.
'Come now, I'm sure you wouldn't mourn any Damora.'
'I know very well what it's like to lose a parent in a tragic way.'
'Oh, yes, we have so much in common. Maybe we should get married. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Hate is a strong emotion. Much more stronger than indifference. But those who burn with hate can also love just as intensely. ~ Morgan Rhodes

A gown does not make a bride, just as a few empty threats do not make a rebel. ~ Morgan Rhodes

She kissed his forehead. "The most important changes take time and patience. But I have faith in you - more than anyone else in the whole world. You are destined for greatness, Gaius Damora. And I swear - no matter what I must do to ensure it - that greatness will be yours. ~ Morgan Rhodes

When on the very edge of death, matters such as fortune and legacy are meaningless in the face of knowing that someone who cares for you will hold your hand as you slip away. ~ Morgan Rhodes

At previous gatherings Magnus had observed in the boy's watchful eyes that he was one of many who had a crush on Lucia and that he was waiting for the opportunity to spend time with her and solidify their . . . friendship. As Magnus did with many such suitors, he circled the boy like a sea monster, eyeing him with acute displeasure until beads of perspiration formed on the boy's pale forehead. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I don't really like lies. I prefer to tell the truth whenever possible. It's much easier to keep track of. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Lucia couldn't deny it. Cleo was getting to her, breaking through that dark wall that surrounded her. Believe in magic. Believe in the impossible. Believe, tentatively, in this fragile new friendship with Cleo. And believe that one day she'd see Alexius again. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I have stories. But stories are not facts.'
'I like stories. Love them, actually. Most of the time they're better than facts. ~ Morgan Rhodes

He was dangerous - she felt it down in her very soul. The price of this young man's freedom would be forged from pain, death, and fire. "Yes," she said. The single word sealed her fate. Standing there on the steep Limerian cliffs, she was ready to watch the world burn. ~ Morgan Rhodes

His fear vanished and was replaced with steely determination. He would not let the spirit hurt this girl. He would not let anyone hurt this girl. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Magnus loved you. He fought for you. He defied me again and again in order to save you, even if it meant his own destruction. He was worthy of you in a way that I was never worthy of Elena. I see that now. And for that alone, you must survive this, Cleiona Bellos. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Kurtis came to see me earlier," Magnus said, before Cleo could reply. "Do you know why?"
"To tell you I've quit archery?"
"No, but it's adorable that you think I'd care about something so trivial. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Everyone mourned when their loved ones died. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Some victories didn't taste as sweet as they should ~ Morgan Rhodes

Magic will find those with pure heats, even when all seems lost. And love is the greatest magic of all. I know this to be true. ~ Morgan Rhodes

But I want you to know," Cleo continued, "that there is hope. And that I am living proof of that hope. Because, even though I was forced into this marriage against my will, I have come to know Prince Magnus Lukas Damora very well these last months. And one thing I've learned is that Prince Magnus is nothing like his father. Prince Magnus is brave and compassionate, and he truly wants what's just and best for this kingdom. Kindness is what makes a good king who will put the needs and rights of his people before his own desires. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Murderous thieves make their home here." She failed to keep the tremor from her voice.
"Absolutely," Jonas replied.
"Dangerous animals too."
"Without a doubt."
She slanted a look toward him. "Perfect place for you."
He repressed a snort. "Oh, such compliments, your highness. You're going to make me blush. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I haven't believed in magic because I don't believe in anything that I haven't seen with my own eyes. Therefore, I must go to Paelsia as soon as I can and learn the truth for myself ~ Morgan Rhodes

You broke it. Congratulations. You've just given me my sixth broken nose, and now I'm going to kill you. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Magnus pondered the twelve people taking up residence at the Hawk and Spear Inn, realizing that nearly half of them wanted him dead.

"And you're definitely one of them," he muttered as Nic trudged through the meeting hall, glaring as he passed the prince. Magnus was sitting alone at a table in front of a sketchbook he'd found in a drawer in his room. "Cassian, look," he called. "I drew a picture of you."

Magnus raised the sketchbook. His fingers smeared with charcoal, he held up a page on which he'd drawn an image of a skinny boy hanging from a noose, his tongue dangling from his mouth, two morbid Xs where the eyes should have been.

Nic, allegedly a very friendly fellow to everyone else in the world, shot Magnus a look of sheer hatred. "You think that's funny?"

"What? You don't like it? Well, they do say art is subjective. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Weak things are so very easy to break. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I'm in love with you, you stupid arse, and I'm not losing you. Got it?" she whispered against his lips before kissing him again. Her confession had stolen his breath, so all he could do was nod. "Now, once again, how do we fix you?" she asked, when they finally parted. To ~ Morgan Rhodes

Hope. Hope is for fools. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I . . . I don't hate you." His dark-eyed gaze held hers. "I don't hate you either. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Send me pain so I know I'm still alive. Help me continue to suffer. For if my father has already killed her, then I need to live so I can avenge her ~ Morgan Rhodes

Evil is a choice one makes, not a natural state of being. ~ Morgan Rhodes

All magic comes with a price. A price that is never revealed until after the damage has been done. ~ Morgan Rhodes

My, my." Nic's voice cut into her thoughts. "Perhaps you'd like me to leave the two of you alone so you can continue to stare at each other all day long?" Heat came to her cheeks and she tore her gaze away from Theon. "Don't be ridiculous." Nic laughed, but it wasn't filled with amusement like before. It was much drier and less pleasant this time. He leaned forward and whispered so Theon couldn't hear. "Just keep one thing in mind as you embark on this arrangement with your new bodyguard . . ." She looked at him sharply. "What's that?" He held her gaze. "He's not royal either. ~ Morgan Rhodes

If there isn't an immediate surrender, they'll fight to take the palace." An anger burned inside Cleo's chest. "What will he do?" Emilia's grip on her hands tightened. "Had you been in the Limerian's clutches, I think he would have done anything to save your life." "And now that I'm back?" "Now," Emilia said, gazing into her sister's eyes, "if King Gaius is looking for a war, a war is exactly what he'll get. ~ Morgan Rhodes

You must continue to believe with all your heart. Sometimes belief is all if takes to make something real. ~ Morgan Rhodes

In any case, her fight was not over yet - not nearly over. It had only begun. And yes, Cleo would be strong. Just as her father and Emilia had asked her to be. She would be strong. She would reclaim her rightful throne. She would be queen. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Later, they also found a camp of outlaws who, when offered the chance to join the rebel ranks, unsheathed their daggers and threatened to cut the three into tiny, bloody pieces and eat them for dinner.
They too that as a firm no. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Everything and everyone would bow before him. Eternally. ~ Morgan Rhodes

If Kyan learned about Lucia's dream visit with Timotheus, he'd be furious. And since Lucia had quickly learned during their travels that the best kind of fire god was a calm fire god, she'd chosen not to speak a word of it to him. Still, ~ Morgan Rhodes

Despite Danaus's ancient age and vast wealth of knowledge, he really was deeply stupid. ~ Morgan Rhodes

He left the tavern and began walking through the maze of buildings and cobblestone streets to find his way back to the palace. However, soon he found himself hopelessly lost. Ten . . . eleven . . . fifteen drinks. How many had he had? "Oh, Nic," he mumbled. "Not good. Not good at all. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I'm just trying to make sense of everything and finding that nothing at all makes sense. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Violence is not the answer to violence. ~ Morgan Rhodes

She gave him a cold and enraged glare. 'You are so pathetic, you make me want to vomit. ~ Morgan Rhodes

My grief has burrowed into me like a dark thing that eats away at my life. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Tears aren't just for babies. They're proof that you feel something and aren't afraid to show it. It's those that won't ever allow themselves to cry that are the weak ones. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Still seasick?" Milo asked. "What does it look like?" Milo laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. I can't believe you've never been to sea before." "Believe it. Now go away and leave me to die." "Don't worry, it won't be much longer now. I can see land from here." Felix managed to raise his bloodshot eyes to see that, far in the distance, across miles upon miles of churning, open sea - His stomach flopped and gurgled. - was the edge of land. "Praise the goddess," Felix groaned. "I think I might stay in Kraeshia forever." "I ~ Morgan Rhodes

You really think that's where any of us are headed?" She actually gave him a grin, baring straight white teeth, her face lit by the golden glow of the dawn. It jarred him to realize that Brion had been right - this girl was absolutely gorgeous. "I'll see you in the darklands, Agallon. Save a demon or two for me. ~ Morgan Rhodes

There are...sacrifices that must be made. ~ Morgan Rhodes

There was no hope in death, only an end. ~ Morgan Rhodes

If I'm to die a mortal, why shouldn't the same fate be given to all, no matter how long they've lived or how important they think they are? All things must eventually come to an end. ~ Morgan Rhodes

You don't cry when someone pushes you down. You get up. You get up and you fight back. And pretty soon nobody's going to shove you anymore because they'll see it's not worth it. ~ Morgan Rhodes

In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light be extinguished ~ Morgan Rhodes

Princess," King Gaius said, standing as she took a seat. "You look beautiful today." "Thank you, your grace." Why did men always find it necessary to comment on whether or not a woman's exterior pleased them? She knew she was beautiful. No need to constantly restate it, as if doing so would earn one points in a game. The ~ Morgan Rhodes

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

Those who appeared to be victims were always the easiest to victimize. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Fear and intimidation are tactics that work very well on those who allow themselves to be afraid and intimidated. ~ Morgan Rhodes

But there was nothing else she could be right now except strong. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I believe in magic. In evil sorceresses who deep down are really beautiful princesses. I believe in immortals who live in a different world than this one, accessible by magical stone wheels. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Wine never helps one forget their worries for long. ~ Morgan Rhodes

But before she could speak another word, he crushed his mouth against hers. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I think most are too afraid to see the truth. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I guess I have a hard time believing in things I can't see. ~ Morgan Rhodes

But you should remember that charm opens far more doors than harsh words do." "And a sharp ax will open every door. ~ Morgan Rhodes

This was the boy who now kissed her without reservation, as if he were dying and she was air itself. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Magnus had come to a horrible realization. One that he knew would cause him nothing but pain and suffering from that day forward.
But there was no changing the truth of it.
He had fallen in love with her. ~ Morgan Rhodes

You need to think with your head, not only your heart."
He couldn't help but snort softly at that. "You think I'm using my heart right now?"
Brion rolled his eyes. "Yes. And in case there's any doubt, your heart is an idiot just like the rest of you ... ~ Morgan Rhodes

I'm not sure the prince was ever taught the polite way to speak to people," Cleo replied. "And yet," Magnus said, "you're still following me, aren't you?" "For now. But you should remember that charm opens far more doors than harsh words do." "And a sharp ax will open every door." The ~ Morgan Rhodes

For ten thousand centimos, I'm tempted to turn you in myself,"Brion said.
Jonas snorted uneasily."For ten thousand centimos, I'm tempted to turn myself in. ~ Morgan Rhodes

You must weather the storm and come out on the other side stronger than before. ~ Morgan Rhodes

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. ~ Morgan Rhodes

But minding one's own business wasn't very interesting. Or useful. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Her cerulean eyes widened.
"You dream about me?"
His gaze snapped back to hers.
"Nightmares only ~ Morgan Rhodes

One day, I promise this pain will fade." "No, it won't." "Right now it's still too fresh. It might seem as if this grief will never let go of the hold it has on your heart. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I've found that in my life that love and attraction can take many forms. And if one is open to unexpected possibilities, there are no boundaries. ~ Morgan Rhodes

I know you didn't grow up in a palace, but you should at least know that it's not very smart or polite to wink at a princess, especially during a formal event," she said. "Well, I've never been accused of being smart or polite before." She regarded him for a silent moment. He was tall, and she liked the broadness of his shoulders. And despite the fact that he kept tugging at his collar, she also liked the way he filled out his fine tailored clothing. "Your nose is crooked," she said. He touched it, then frowned. "It's been broken a few times. Frankly, I'm lucky to still have a nose." "It's quite ugly." "Um . . ." "I like it." "Thanks?" He cleared his throat. "Is there something I can do for you, princess?" "Actually, yes." "And what's that?" "You can take me to your bed." Felix ~ Morgan Rhodes

Hate is such a strong emotion. Much more powerful than indifference. But those who burn with hate can also love just as intensely. Can't they? When you hate
or love
do you do so with all your heart? So much that it feels as if you might die from it? ~ Morgan Rhodes

Whispered stories could turn to shouted truths as quick as day became night. ~ Morgan Rhodes

Becca run!" Maddox yelled.
"Becca? Who is Becca?" Valoria asked, Barnabas, Sienna, and Camilla were now up to their shoulders in the mud.
"Oh, that's just another name he likes to call me, now and then" Barnabas called out. "Adorable, yes? Sorry my young friend, but I can't run at the moment. I'm busy sinking to my death. ~ Morgan Rhodes