The Queen of Attolia (The Queen's Thief #2)

by Megan Whalen Turner

“Stop whining,” Eugenides said. “What?” Eddis’s expression shifted from wary to puzzled. “That was the message. For me, alone among mortals, the gods send their messenger to tell me to stop whining. That’ll teach me to go hide in a temple.”

The magus sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Your queen’s entire two-word answer: ‘War, then.’

“He’s not an entirely irredeemable character,” the magus said, defending his king. “I’m sure not,” Eugenides said agreeably, “but he’s caused a lot of bloodshed wanting a woman he can’t have.” “Not a new thing in the history of the world,” the magus said. “No,” Eugenides responded thoughtfully, “and maybe I should be more sympathetic, but I think I will just go back to bed.”

“I was afraid. I couldn’t just sit here being afraid and doing nothing about it.”

“You have to believe him, because he’s going to have your entire palace up in arms and your court in chaos and every member of it from the barons to the boot cleaners coming to you for his blood, and you are going to have to deal with it.” Attolia smiled. “You make him sound like more trouble than he is worth.” “No,” said Eddis thoughtfully. “Never more than he is worth.”