Princeps' Fury (Codex Alera, #5)

by Jim Butcher

“Respect is elder to convenience.” “And besides,” Tavi said drily, “if you didn’t respect them, they’d eat you.” “Survival is also elder to convenience,” Gradash agreed.

hardly a man ever made a fool of himself by keeping his bloody mouth shut.

“Raising a child isn’t complicated, love. It isn’t easy, but it isn’t complicated, either.” She tilted her head, looking up at him. “How’s it done, then?” He shrugged. “You just love them more than air and water and light. From there, everything else comes naturally.”