Sarvah Rayner

“So do I wish I was to be king? That is not a question I ask myself. I ask myself, Would I be a good king? Would I be quick witted and generous of spirit and full of that boundless energy? Or would I be clumsy and stupid and dulled by my own prejudices? I try to be a good man, since I am alive at all, and hope that that teaches me what I would need to know if I was ever faced with a higher challenge.”
― Sharon Shinn, Summers at Castle Auburn

“But I am king. And the well-being of my kingdom depends on my sound judgment and clear head. And those things depend on my state of happiness. And I have known for a long time that my state of happiness depends on you.”
― Sharon Shinn, Summers at Castle Auburn

“You have no dower," he said. "Live, Keturah. Go home."

"But I do have a dower," I said plainly. "This is my dower, Lord Death; the crown of flowers I will never wear at my wedding."

He knelt on one knee before me.

"The little house I would have had of my own, to furnish and clean. That, too, is part of my dower."

"I will give you the world for your footstool," he said.

"And most precious of all, I give you the wee baby I will never hold in my arms.”
― Martine Leavitt, Keturah and Lord Death

“Tell me what it is like to die," I answered.
He dismounted from his horse, looking at me strangely the whole while. "You experience something similar every day," he said softly. "It is as familiar to you as bread and butter."
"Yes," I said. "It is like every night when I fall asleep."
"No. It is like every morning when you wake up.”
― Martine Leavitt, Keturah and Lord Death