The Dread Descendant (The Dread Descendant, #1)

by Lauren Cate Leake

Maeve had never expressed a personal interest in the war or politics, but she understood the value of knowledge. Information. The potential for the upper hand. All were as valuable as her own Magic.

Cheekbones that could cut a girl’s heart right open- Cheekbones that granted him anything he wanted.

“You’re far too clever to believe everything you’re told.”

“do you feel my fears and confliction?” “Every day,” said Mal cooly. “They seep out of you, slither across the table, and pierce into my very blood.”

Your rage is valuable. It’s the only time you are truly honest.”

Reeve had called her a Warrior. The Orator’s Office had already named her Bellator. And now, Kietel named her a weapon. Maybe she could be all those things. At Mal’s side.

“You think you’re the victim in this tale, but you are the villain.” “I could say the same about you,” said Maeve.

the first time she smiled at him. It had not been a smile of joy. She smiled at him like a cornered lion, ready to play. No one had ever looked at him that way. Like they were up for the challenge. But she was his challenge.

“You should fear her,” he said. “I don’t want stupid men in my court.”

“Are you mine?” She asked. He sucked in a sharp breath. “In every meaning of the word.”

I know that deep, deep down, buried beneath your delusion and pride, that you are afraid of him. . .deep deep down. And you should be.”