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Kindle Notes & Highlights
“Do you suppose anything outside of Europe is incapable of beauty and culture and art? That only British history, European history, is worth knowing? As if the greatness of the British Empire, the Spanish Empire . . . the Roman Empire . . . weren’t built on the backs of those they stole from. Those they pillaged from, all while they claimed to be civilizing the native people.”
Hearing her voice after weeks of depriving himself was like taking in a full gulp of air; his lungs rejoiced at being filled, and his blood sang.
“You’re like a prism, displaying your thoughts and emotions in an array of colorful expressions. I’m sure I could watch you all day.”
“Not everyone prizes light skin,” Gabby hissed, stomping her foot. “Isabel’s features, including her dark skin, are gifts from our people. Of those who lived and breathed and loved for hundreds of years since before the world knew it as Mexico, and were never defeated by the Tenochca Empire.” She flung a hand out at Isabel. “Her bronze skin was worn by warriors. By survivors. To bleach it away because of some grotesque beauty standard would be a cruel sin.”
What’s ridiculous is that people think if you somehow look like everyone else, you’ll be beautiful. But that’s boring.” She squeezed Isabel’s hand. “And you’re anything but boring, Isa.”
The thought that the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman could have the most powerful empire in the world not only condemn but also abolish the heinous slave trade around the globe formed a knot of bubbling emotions in the back of his throat.
“Miss Luna, I would gain you. The chance to welcome every sunrise by your side and say good night to every sunset. Just spending my life with you, orbiting around your smile and laugh, would make me the richest of men.”
“I just needed to keep a part of you close. No matter how small.”
“But whatever gave you the idea that I’d be a gentleman in the bedroom?”
