Quotes from Megan Whalen Turner

You didn't know I could do that, did you? he asked, conversationally. I did not, Your Majesty, Teleus gasped. My grandfather killed a man that way once, using the edge of the wooden sword. I hadn't realized the Thieves of Eddis were so warlike. They aren't, mostly. But like all men, Teleus, I have two grandfathers. Teleus rolled his eyes to look up at him, and the king said, One of mine was Eddis. Ah, said Teleus. Ah, indeed, said the king.

She's like a prisoner inside stone walls, and every day the walls get a little thicker, the doorways a little narrower. And? Eddis prompted. Well, said Eugenides, it's a challenge.

Safety is an illusion, Costis. A Thief might fall at any time, and eventually the day must come when the god will let him. Whether I am on a rafter three stories up or on a staircase three steps up, I am in my god's hands. He will keep me safe, or he will not, here or on the stairs.

If you are feeling more yourself, there is a problem best addressed immediately, said the queen. In my nightshirt? The king wriggled, as ever, out of straightforward obedience. Your attendants. I have spoken to them. You will speak to them as well. Ah. They have seen me in my nightshirt. He looked down at his sleeve, embroidered with white flowers. Not in your nightshirt, though.

There are a lot of things a person with two hands couldn't steal, Eddis said. So? If it's impossible to steal them with two hands, it's no more impossible to steal them with one. Steal peace, Eugenides. Steal me some time.

her queen danced like a flame in the wind, and the mercurial king like the weight at the center of the earth...

Sophos turned red, and I wondered about the circulation of his blood; maybe his body kept an extra supply of it in his head, ready for blushing.

I knew I would be in the story somewhere, Eugenides interjected. Oh no, said Phresine, This was a humble servant. Ouch. Though very courageous. Not me, whispered Eugenides to his pillow.

I sometimes believe his lies are the truth, but I have never mistaken his truth for a lie.

I would very much like to strangle someone. Why don't you go away until I decide it isn't you?

Eschewing ceremony, Eugenides said, You shot the ambassador? You gave me the gun, protested Sounis. I didn't mean for you to shoot the ambassador with it! Eugenides told him. Oh, how our carefully laid plans go astray, murmured the magus. You shut up! said Gen, laughing.

Your Majesty, you just- Costis stopped. Just what? the king prompted wickedly. Nothing would induce Costis to say out loud that the king had almost fallen from the palace wall and that Costis had seen him manifestly saved by the God of Thieves. The king smiled. Cat got your tongue? Your Majesty, you are drunk, Costis pleaded. I am. What's your excuse?

I wanted Ambiades to understand that I considered myself a hierarchy of one.

I was listening, the king said, aggrieved. I closed my eyes to listen better. What did you hear? I'm not sure, he said. That's why I was listening so closely. I may have to ask the baron to repeat some parts of his report on his grain tax. I am sure you can arrange an appointment. I am sure I can too.

From shadow queen to puppet queen in one rule, he whispered. That's very impressive. When he rules your country and he tells you he loves you, I hope you believe him. He anticipated her blow and leaned back. Her hand only brushed his cheek in an entirely unsatisfying manner. At least that's one lie I didn't tell you.

He whines, he complains, he ducks out of the most obvious responsibility. He is vain, petty and maddening, but he doesn't ever quit.

Before you make a decision, he said, I want you to know that I love you.

I didn't really care much about anything, so I guess I felt fine.

I inherited this country when I was only a child, Nahuseresh. I have held it. I have fought down rebellious barons. I've fought Sounis to keep the land on this side of the mountains. I have killed men and watched them hang. I've seen them tortured to keep this country safe and mine . How did you think I did this if I was a fool with cow eyes for any handsome man with gold in his purse?

It isn't deep, the Eddisian Ambassador said from the other side of the bed. He was leaning over the wound, looking critical and mildly disappointed. Eugenides didn't miss a beat. It is...too...deep! he insisted, outraged.

I love stupid plans.

Irene- Don't call me that. You were the princess Irene the first time we met. It means 'peace', Attolia said. What name could be more inappropriate? That I be named Helen? Eddis suggested. The hard lines in Attolia's face eased, and she smiled. Eddis was a far cry from the woman whose beauty had started a war.

Ornon said, I have seen him jump across atriums four stories above the ground, a distance that would make your blood freeze, and I heard him once confess that he sometimes thinks the distance is beyond him. He always jumps, Your Majesty. The Thieves are not trained in self-preservation. I beg you would take my advice.

My beautiful queen. Your entire court is staring at you, and I can't blame them. They were, too. The queen turned to look. Her glance swept through the crowd like a reaping sickle through grain. Mouths slammed shut on every side. There was a scuffling sound as the people in the back shifted, trying to screen themselves from view. The queen looked back at the king, who was broadly smiling.