Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy, #2)

by Robin Hobb

Molly was that most cherished of items: a genuine refuge.

For her part, she seemed totally unaware of how her eyes could meet mine and turn my tongue to leather in my mouth. No magic I possessed, no Skill, no Wit, was proof against the accidental touch of her hand against mine, nor could defend me against the awkwardness that overwhelmed me at the quirk of her smile.

But if I could not have revenge, Regal would not have satisfaction.

‘Things change, because time passes.

‘Justice. There’s a thing we shall ever thirst after, and ever be parched.

‘I dreamed about you. While I was gone.’ He gave me a dubious look. ‘Did you? How touching. I can’t say I dreamed of you.’ ‘I’ve missed you,’ I said, and enjoyed the brief flash of surprise on the Fool’s face.

But the caged wolf cub with the dirty grey coat stared up at me, and lifted his black lips to reveal all his teeth. I hate you. All of you. Come, come closer. I’ll kill you. I’ll rip out your throat after I hamstring you. I’ll feast on your entrails. I hate you.

Baby Nighteyes

To confront finally the worst there is, to look it squarely in the face and say, ‘I know you. You have hurt me, almost to death, but still, I live. And I will go on living.’

Vixen had lived a long life, for a hound, but still too short for Burrich’s heart.

:’)

Truly you are not pack, but man. He paused in the open door to look back at me. Men it is who think they can rule others’ lives, but have no bonds to them.

Nighteyes, he corrected me. My mother named me Nighteyes. I was the last of my litter to get my eyes open.

I just love him so much

Molly had turned her face aside from me. I held her hand and spoke quietly. ‘I cannot go on like this any more. No matter how foolish, no matter how dangerous, no matter what any other may think. I cannot be always apart from you.’

This is Molly. And she is my heart and I will not let her go.’

‘You are always exactly what I need. Always.’

Can there be anything so compelling as the knowledge that a woman desires you? It overwhelmed me and blessed me and somehow redeemed me from every stupid thing I had ever done.

I had discovered Burrich, limping about the battleground. He did not say he had been looking for my body. His relief at seeing me was evidence enough of that.

Their relationship makes me weep

Kettricken, never sure of her place in her husband’s court, and now without him to sustain her, seemed to shrink in on herself. Regal’s retelling of her exploits made them seem questionable and reckless rather than daring and decisive. I saw her dwindle before herself, and knew she would not speak up for herself now.

It was possible to be homesick for a time, and to be lonely for the only other person who could recall it.

I met Celerity’s eyes. She had no doubts. If I had never known Molly, I would have found her beautiful. But when I looked at her, all I could see was who she was not. I had no heart left to give to any woman, let alone at a time like this.

had thought to save my king from a disloyal prince. I should have known there was no saving a father from the betrayal of a son.

My brother? I reached for Nighteyes. I am here. I am always here.

Then suddenly he hugged me to him, his bearded face bristling against mine and his hot tears falling on my face. He rocked me back and forth, sitting in the snow at the edge of my grave. ‘You’re not dead, son. You’re not dead.’