Lena

“Everything that lives must eventually die.”
― Laura Thalassa, The Queen of All that Dies

“Be of good cheer,” said Nikolai. “Maybe he’ll propose again.”
I sat up. “How do you know about that?”
“If you recall, I did pretty much the same thing. I’m just surprised he hasn’t tried a second time.”
“Apparently I’m not easy to get alone.”
“I know,” said Nikolai. “Why do you think I walk you back from the Grand Palace after every meeting?”
“For my sparkling company?” I said sourly, annoyed by the twitch of disappointment I felt at his words. Nikolai was so good at making me forget that everything he did was calculated.
“That too,” he said.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Siege and Storm

“He would not rest until his country could too.
And he would never turn his back on a wounded man - even if that man was him.
'Nikolai Nothing', snarled the demon. 'Ravka will never be yours'.
Perhaps not. But if you loved a thing, the work was never done. 'Remember who you are'.”
― Leigh Bardugo, King of Scars

“Brothers," he said, "I have brought the Sun Summoner back to Ravka."
I couldn't help myself. I hauled off and punched him in the face.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Siege and Storm