Sabby, Last of the Empire, First of the Revolution, the Empress of Pandas

“What a pretty bird you are," I crooned.
His struggling slowed, then stilled. I felt him cock his head.
"What a lovely bird," I repeated in a syrupy voice. "Yes, you're the loveliest bird." I stroked his back. He made a pleased muttering sound in his breast. Soon his smug silence indicated that he was quite content to remain as he was, so long as I continued my praise.”
― Margaret Rogerson, An Enchantment of Ravens

“No. You surpass us all." Beside me she looked colorless and frail. "You are like a living rose among wax flowers. We may last forever, but you bloom brighter and smell sweeter, and draw blood with your thorns.”
― Margaret Rogerson, An Enchantment of Ravens

“Ah, but you were not a pawn. All along, you have been the queen.”
― Margaret Rogerson, An Enchantment of Ravens

“Isobel. Isobel, listen. The teapot is of no consequence. I can defeat anyone, at any time.”
― Margaret Rogerson, An Enchantment of Ravens