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Quotes About Power

The more powerful you become, the more others will find ways to master you. They'll do it through those you love and those you hate. They will find the bit and the bridle that fits your mouth and will make you yield.
~ Holly Black
She's my wife," Cardan says, his voice carrying over the crowd. "The rightful High Queen of Elfhame. And most definitely not in exile.
~ Holly Black
It's ridiculous the way everyone acts like killing a king is going to make someone better at being one," Vivi says. "Imagine if, in the mortal world, a lawyer passed the bar by killing another lawyer.
~ Holly Black
No," said Luis, "You can't date the Lord of the Night Court." "Well, I'm not, he dumped me." "You can't get dumped by the lord of the night court." "Oh, yes, you can. You so completely can.
~ Holly Black
Nicasia said that as mortal power grows, land and sea ought to be united. And that they would be, either in the way she hoped or the way I should fear." "Ominous," I say. "It seems I have a singular taste for women who threaten me.
~ Holly Black
All power is cursed," I say. "The most terrible among us will do anything to get it, and those who'd wield power best don't want it thrust upon them. But that doesn't mean they can avoid their responsibilities forever.
~ Holly Black
Marry me," he says. "Become the Queen of Elfhame.
~ Holly Black
I kissed him on the mouth, and then I threatened to kiss him some more if he didn't do exactly what I wanted.
~ Holly Black
Why am I the way I am?" His tone makes it clear he's proposing something I might suggest he ask, not really wondering about it. "There are no real answers, Jude. Why was I cruel to Folk? Why was I awful to you? Because I could be. Because I liked it. Because, for a moment, when I was at my worst, I felt powerful, and most of the time, I felt powerless, despite being a prince and the son of the High King of Faerie.
~ Holly Black
It's funny how you get under his skin." At first, I'm not sure I heard him right. I almost ask whom he's talking about, because I can't quite believe he's admitting that high and mighty Cardan is affected by anything. "Like a splinter?" I say. "Of iron. No one else bothers him quite the way that you do.
~ Holly Black
Magic gives you a lot of choices," Grandad says. "Most of them are bad.
~ Holly Black
I recall that your hands were on her, but her eyes were on me,' Cardan returns.
~ Holly Black
Librarians are hot. They have knowledge and power over their domain...It is no coincidence how many librarians are portrayed as having a passionate interior, hidden by a cool layer of reserve. Aren't books like that? On the shelf, their calm covers belie the intense experience of reading one. Reading inflames the soul. Now, what sort of person would be the keeper of such books?
~ Holly Black
Fairy tales are full of girls who wait, who endure, who suffer. Good girls. Obedient girls. Girls who crush nettles until their hands bleed. Girls who haul water for witches. Girls who wander through deserts or sleep in ashes or make homes for transformed brothers in the woods. Girls without hands, without eyes, without the power of speech, without any power at all. But then a prince rides up and sees the girl and finds her beautiful. Beautiful, not despite her suffering, but because of it.
~ Holly Black
Whoever controls the king, controls the kingdom
~ Holly Black
You can take a thing when no one's looking. But defending it, even with all the advantage on your side, is no easy task," Madoc told her with a laugh. She looked up to find him offering her a hand. "Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to.
~ Holly Black
She's going to want to wear your skull for a hat," Oak warns. There is an uncomfortable shifting among the ex-falcons. Perhaps they are recalling their own choice to denounce her, their own punishment. "And Cardan is going to laugh and laugh when she does.
~ Holly Black
Stories can justify anything. It doesn't matter if the boy with the heart of stone is a hero or a villain; it doesn't matter if he got what he deserved or if he didn't. No one can reward him or punish him, save the storyteller.
~ Holly Black
So you'll teach me?" Val asked. Ravus nodded agin. "I will make you as terrible as you desire." "I don't want to be - ," she started, but he held up his hand. "I know you're very brave," he said. "Or stupid." " And stupid. Brave and Stupid." Ravus smiled, but then his smile sagged. "But nothing can stop you from being terrible once you've learned how.
~ Holly Black
I am the Queen of Elfhame. Even though I am the queen in exile, I am still the queen. And that means Madoc isn't just trying to take Cardon's throne. He's trying to take mine.
~ Holly Black
Ruthless. That's my girl.
~ Holly Black
Remember that I'm still a monster. I can listen to you scream and cry and beg and I still won't let you out.
~ Holly Black
Every day that I don't beg Cardan for forgiveness over a feud he started is a day I win. He can humiliate me, but every time he does and I don't back down, he makes himself less powerful. After all, he's throwing everything he's got at someone as weak as I am and it's not working. He's going to take himself down.
~ Holly Black
The Folk adore Cardan, and they're terrified of my sister, two excellent things. I hope they rule Elfhame for a years and then pass it down to one of a dozen offspring. No need for me to be involved.
~ Holly Black