Lucie

“It’s just … difficult.”
“You’ve noticed the change in her, then.”
“I never cared which face she wore.”
“Ah. So this isn’t new.”
“No.”
“That makes it worse, I think.”
― Erika Johansen, The Invasion of the Tearling

“What of that woman you’ve found?” the Mace asked. “Does she offer no relief at all?”
Pen laughed without humor. “Ten minutes of relief, every time.”
“We can find another shield, you know,” the Mace told him. “Several of them are ready. Elston would jump at the chance.”
“No. It would be a greater torment to be out of the room than in.”
“You say that now, but think, Pen. Think about when she takes a husband, or even just a man for the night. How will you feel then, being right outside the door?”
“She may not take either.”
― Erika Johansen, The Invasion of the Tearling

“The mark of the true hero is that the most heroic of his deeds is done in secret. We never hear of it. And yet somehow, my friends, we know. —Father Tyler’s Collected Sermons, FROM THE ARVATH ARCHIVE”
― Erika Johansen, The Queen of the Tearling

“Pen will no longer be your close guard, Lady,” Mace said flatly.
“What?”
“Starting tonight, Elston will take over Pen’s duties.”
Kelsea turned to stare at Pen, who in turn stared at the floor.“
“What’s happened?” she demanded.
“I’ll give you two a few minutes, but only a few,” Mace replied, speaking to Pen. “After that, you will not be alone together again.”
Pen nodded, but Kelsea turned on Mace.
“You don’t make changes to my Guard behind my back, Lazarus! I didn’t ask for a new close guard. This isn’t your decision.”
“No, Lady,” Pen said. “It’s mine.”
― Erika Johansen