The Curse of Chalion (World of the Five Gods, #1)

by Lois McMaster Bujold

“To a man of a certain age, Cazaril, all young ladies start to look delightful. It’s the first symptom of senility.”

I think if you lent me a razor now, for me to cut my throat with, it would save ever so many steps. Please Your Grace.”

how was Teidez to grasp that grown men’s vices were not the same as grown men’s honors?

The world demands I make good choices on no information, and then blames my maidenhood for my mistakes, as if my maidenhood were responsible for my ignorance. Ignorance is not stupidity, but it might as well be. And I do not like feeling stupid.”

“Events may be horrible or inescapable. Men have always a choice—if not whether, then how, they may endure.”

Dondo was carried to the Bastard’s hell.” A small, grim smile curved her lips. “Perchance he may learn better manners there.”