"... I did not set out to be beloved and just, only strong."

'A King can be better than that," the Prince insisted.

"And so we all begin, determined to better our fathers' performances, knowing we can change the very nature of humanity, make it better, cleaner. But then daggers strike in the night, and peasants revolt, and all manner of atrocities become a necessity as breakfast. Only Princes believe in the greater good. Kings know there is only Reign, and all things may be committed in its holy name..."
— Catherynne M. Valente