The Queen of Cursed Things (The Serpents and Kings Trilogy, #1)

by S.M. Gaither

the upper-gods created the world, the middle-ones made it livable, and the small souls made it worth living in.

There were stories that claimed that this current family of highest royalty had never been of the Rook clan at all, that they were truly lightning birds, doing as those frightening creatures did: Taking the form of beautiful humans so they could manipulate and gain power.

“Because I wanted to dance with the most beautiful person in the room. And I would have looked rather silly dancing with myself, so you made for a fine second option.”

“But the king can’t imprison your mind, you know.

Not the way anger can.”

It was the glee of a people, he thought, who didn’t truly know what game they were playing, but still wanted to believe they were winning it.

You’re weird—and you know I say that as lovingly as possible.”

“Anything can be poison if the dose is high enough.” “That is… Was that supposed to be reassuring?” “Just some free advice.”

“But just so we’re clear? I didn’t intend for that to be meaningless. And I would kiss you like that every day, if things were different.”

“So long as there is power, and those who do not have it, and those who want to have it, there will never be peace.”

because she had learned a long time ago that your heart did not have to be whole for your feet to keep moving.