Ivy

“We could try some other arrangement."
"You're right: it should be me in front
and you carrying the horse.”
― S.U. Pacat, Captive Prince

“The rabbit flicked its ears, looked up at Brenner, and said, in a deep, thoughtful voice, “You’ll die laughing, you know.”
― T. Kingfisher, Clockwork Boys

“I'm going up to my room now, where I may die.”
― Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle

“Name one hero who was happy."
"You can't." He was sitting up now, leaning forward.
"I can't."
"I know. They never let you be famous AND happy." He lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you a secret."
"Tell me." I loved it when he was like this.
"I'm going to be the first." He took my palm and held it to his. "Swear it."
"Why me?"
"Because you're the reason. Swear it."
"I swear it”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles