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

by George R.R. Martin

A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.”

A bastard had to learn to notice things, to read the truth that people hid behind their eyes.

“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.”

“Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid?” he heard his own voice saying, small and far away. And his father’s voice replied to him. “That is the only time a man can be brave.”

“So slow? Be quicker, girl. Your enemies will give you more than scratches.”

And when you have it, what then? Some secrets are safer kept hidden. Some secrets are too dangerous to share, even with those you love and trust.