Winterkeep (Graceling Realm, #4)

by Kristin Cashore

“Do you notice there’s a fox following us?” said Hava. “There is?” said Giddon. “Whose fox?” “How would I know that?” Giddon shrugged. “With whatever magical power made you notice the fox?” “You mean eyesight?” “Is it actually following us,” said Giddon, “or just going the same way we’re going?” “It’s not like it’s carrying a sign announcing its intentions,” said Hava

if your business in Monsea, or perhaps with that Council of yours, ever puts you in need of a foreign bank.” He smiled at Giddon’s carefully blank face. “We have privacy laws here that often surprise and delight foreigners, especially those with secrets.

Is Winterkeep based on Switzerland? Cold environment, happy citizens, banks excellent for foreign secrets trying to lie low

Bitterblue yelled. “I feel great! I’m stronger than you!” “She feels great!” Giddon yelled. “She’s stronger than you!” “It’s not true, of course,” she said in a normal voice. “What isn’t?” Bitterblue looked at the moon, motionless above her, while the ground moved under her feet. “That I’m stronger than the sea.” “Okay,” he said. “But you’re stronger than the way the sea makes you feel.”

then held the door open for her in a way that crowded her and felt more intimate than it needed to.

Exactly this but I didn't know it before

never found politics difficult to follow, because every dispute was the same. People were motivated by money, power, idealism, fame. Usually money.

They had no real political differences, just varying opinions on how to make the most money.

“Is that enough?” Lovisa asked. “For both of us?” “More than enough,” said Nev. “People use ten times more than they need.” “I follow the instructions on the packet.” “The instructions are written by a merchant who wants you to buy ten times more than you need.”

“Have you ever visited a pig, Lovisa?” he asked. “What do you think?” said Lovisa snappishly. “When would I ever have had occasion to visit a pig?” “Exactly,” he said. “This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” “What is this? Do you want me to come with you?” “Not if you’re afraid of pigs.” “Oh, please. Why would anyone be afraid of pigs?” “Then you’re coming?” “I didn’t say that!” “I dare you,” said Saiet. “I dare you to come visit this pig.” “How old are you, nine?” “Nine is quite mature,” he said, “for a pig.”