Sophia

“She excels because she trusts her skill. I suspect you fear that yours will slip between your fingers if you loosen your grip for even a moment...I always wanted to prove to myself that I was worthy of it... All I did was practice. I forgot how to possess a skill. Instead, the skill posses me. All of me.”
― Samantha Shannon, The Priory of the Orange Tree

“All of us have shadows in us', he said. 'I accept yours.' He placed a hand over her ring. 'And I hope you will also accept mine.' With a tired smile, she threaded her fingers between his. 'Gladly'.”
― Samantha Shannon, The Priory of the Orange Tree

“Their breaths were hushed, held in anticipation of a knock on the door, a key in the lock, a torch to bare their union. It would light a flame of scandal, and the fire would rise untill it scorched them both. But Ead called fire her friend, and she would plunge into the furnace for Sabran Berthnet, for just one night with her. Let them come with their swords and their torches. Let them come.”
― Samantha Shannon, The Priory of the Orange Tree

“You wear so much armour by daylight that, by night, you can carry it no longer. By night, you are only flesh. And even flesh of a queen is prone to fear”
― Samantha Shannon, The Priory of the Orange Tree