A Crown of Petals and Ice (Honey and Ice, #3)

by Shannon Mayer

it’s not the person’s thoughts to watch but how they treat others. That is the real clue.

“Leadership is an ill-fitting jacket,” I answered. “Maybe I’ll find a good tailor in time to make adjustments.”

“It doesn’t matter what others think of you. It only matters what you think of yourself. Only the weak can be formed and torn down by the words and actions of others.”

“That I had never loved anyone more. That if your fears were a dagger, I would let it stab me one million times rather than let it so much as prick your skin. You are my grandchild in heart and deed, not only blood. Every breath you have taken has filled me with pride. And just as the goddess may have punished me for my failings, so she has rewarded me for my heroism. With you.”

My sons..

“I would give up all I have to protect you, Orphan. They’re precious heirlooms, but they are only things. They’re nothing compared to what you are to me.” His eyes met mine. “And I would give them all up to keep you whole, do not ever doubt that.”

“My life has never been a fairy tale. There has never been a happily ever after. And I wouldn’t want one, Lan, because my life may have had its trials, but every second of it has been real.”