A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

by George R.R. Martin

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”

Let them see that their words can cut you, and you’ll never be free of the mockery. If they want to give you a name, take it, make it your own. Then they can’t hurt you with it anymore.”

“The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends,” Ser Jorah told her. “It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace.” He gave a shrug. “They never are.”

“They say night’s beauties fade at dawn, and the children of wine are oft disowned in the morning light.”

“When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”

We are only human, and the gods have fashioned us for love. That is our great glory, and our great tragedy.