Madushi

“But in ten years, no one had ever asked what he was thinking. And he knew that the novice Evanjalin was asking for more than just his thoughts. She wanted the part of him he fought to keep hidden. The part that held his foolish hopes and aching memories.”
― Melina Marchetta, Finnikin of the Rock

“When I was eight years old,” the priest-king confessed, “I wanted to be a god.” The holy man looked around the ragged tent. “Perhaps this is my punishment, but between you and me, I do not believe that the desires of young boys cause catastrophic events. The actions of humans do.”
― Melina Marchetta, Finnikin of the Rock

“Her voice stopped him. “I woke with your name on my lips every morning. Like a prayer of hope. For now, that’s all I can offer.”
― Melina Marchetta, Finnikin of the Rock

“And at last Finnikin understood why he had felt so sorrowful and silent these last few days. He knew how to be Finnikin of the Rock to Evanjalin of the Monts. But he had no idea who to be to Queen Isaboe.”
― Melina Marchetta, Finnikin of the Rock