Sebastian Nothwell > Quotes

“What, scattering bird entrails across the cobblestones? Or do you inhale mystical vapours and babble prophecy in a stupor?” “I made a pendulum of an acorn,” said Butcher, “and ate it.” Wren stared at him. Butcher did not elaborate. Nor did he seem in any way discomfited by Wren’s continued scepticism.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“My companion,” Shrike said before Wren could explain himself. “Called Lofthouse.” My companion. Despite the dire circumstance, Wren’s heart fluttered to hear Shrike introduce him as such.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“The warm rough palm laid against his own as if, like pages from a book, they were meant to nestle together for centuries, with their interlaced fingers as binding.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“Aubrey wished for the cunning and craft required to surreptitiously strangle himself with his own necktie. Alas, he had no such skill.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Throw His Heart Over

“Shrike couldn’t fathom a man who could kiss Wren and feel naught.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“A touch brimming with mercy paired with eyes bereft of pity. Meeting his gaze felt like returning home.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“So Shrike held his breath, bent his head, and, as he’d fiercely wished to all these long hours, bestowed a kiss upon his Wren.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Every piece as he donned it sent a thrill shivering over his skin. And when he finally found the courage to tear away the sheet covering the long looking-glass stand in the corner of his room, what he beheld in its reflection made all his suffering worthwhile. For the first time in all his life, he saw his true self.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Sincere Graves was unnerving. Theatrical Graves was familiar. Lindsey relaxed. “Thank you.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Mr Warren's Profession

“Without opening his eyes, Wren reached out and traced Shrike’s lips to shush him, mumbling as he did so, “I’m fine. Better than fine. Now shut up and kiss me.” Shrike obeyed his fallen king.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“He wondered as he stared up into the darkness if he could persuade Enzo to sleep beside him if neither of them were wounded.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Fiorenzo

“The further his body transformed in a wildly different direction, the more sure he felt in what he was and what he ought to be. Yet how could he possibly tell anyone that the heart of a man beat beneath his breast? And expect to be believed?”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Good morrow, sir!” said the gentleman in a hearty tone. Ephraim couldn’t quite place his accent—a very slight one, with a touch of a burr and a hint of a lilt which defied all efforts to pin it down. The deep bass of his voice thrummed through Ephraim’s own ribs in a manner which made his knees feel weak for reasons beyond rheumatism.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“The Holly King had described Mr Ephraim Grigsby, Esq., as an awkward but well-meaning elderly fellow. He’d made no mention of “charming” or “handsome,” which Hullvardr considered unjust omissions.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Has she a chirurgeon experienced in saving mortal lives?” Shrike growled. “Yes,” replied the page. Shrike blinked. “Oh.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“I’m sorry,” said Wren as their lips parted. Shrike furrowed his brow. “What for?” “It’s my fault you lost your chance at the white hart.” Shrike continued staring at him for another moment or two. Then his hand came up to brush Wren’s hair off his brow and trail down his cheek in a tender caress. “I did almost lose my heart,” Shrike murmured. “But he is found again, and reawakened, and now all is well.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Wren found himself in a mead-hall worthy of Beowulf and full to bursting with fae.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“And every morning, as Ephraim arose to shave and dress, he heard the gentle tap-tap-tapping of Mr Hull’s boot-heels on the stair—a sound which became somehow sweeter than birdsong.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Wren's kiss, as ever, proved a balm for Shrike's wounded heart.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“The ensuing pause drew out into a lengthy silence as the two men stared each other down. Then, in a single stride, Butcher was upon him. Even barefoot, he towered over Wren. Near enough to fill Wren’s lungs with his woodsmoke musk. Near enough for Wren to feel the heat of his body radiating through his woollen tunic. And near enough for Butcher to raise his hand to Wren’s jaw and gently lift his chin.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“The Holly King bids me tell you that gentle lovemaking should pose no danger.” Wren’s face felt as if it’d burst into flames. Shrike raised his brows and glanced between Everilda and Wren. After a moment’s pause, he said to Everilda, “I’m glad of it.” Wren wished himself dead.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“It was the first time he’d heard anyone besides himself call him by his real name, and the sound of it made his heart soar. It flew higher still as she leaned in to kiss him. She left her palm against his cheek as she withdrew to fondly gaze at him from those dark and beautiful eyes. “My darling Daniel,” she said and smiled in a reflection of his own joy.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“And to dance with Shrike was to know desire, indeed.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“I think,” Butcher murmured, “a man who lies with men is the sort of man I like.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“Make no promises nor bargains. Consume neither food nor drink. Accept nothing, offer nothing. Shall we be off?”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King

“Ephraim Grigsby had many faults, but he flattered himself that impatience was not among them.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Whenever Mr Hull divested himself of his coat, however, and went about the office in his shirt-sleeves, Ephraim found it rather difficult to concentrate on his own work. The pale thin cotton shirt clung to Mr Hull’s broad shoulders and allowed an indecorous glimpse at the corded muscles of his arms beneath.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Slowly and gently, and watching Ephraim’s face all the while, Mr Hull brought Ephraim’s gnarled knuckles to his perfect lips. The sheer tenderness of the kiss threatened to overwhelm Ephraim. He felt rather like a fairytale prince. He wondered what he’d done to deserve this, and many other things besides.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Wren’s gaze returned to his Shrike, his own northern star guiding him back home.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Tales from Blackthorn Briar

“Then why?” Shrike demanded. “Why choose me at all, if I do not act according to her design?” Wren gazed upon Shrike’s high cheekbones, strong jawline, noble profile, and the silver-shot ink-spill waterfall of his hair flowing down between his broad shoulders to halt just above his lithe waist, but kept his own suspicions to himself.”
― Sebastian Nothwell, Oak King Holly King