The Goblin Emperor (The Chronicles of Osreth, #1)

by Katherine Addison

he was almost able to forget he had embarrassed himself. But he did not forget, and told himself he would not forget, that it was possible for people to be kind without ulterior motive, that sometimes bargaining was not necessary.

His love was found in emptiness, his kindness in silence.

We consider it cruel,” Maia said. “And we do not think that cruelty is ever just.