The King's Shadow Quotes

“How is it that despite being a lover of self-affirmations and leadership classes, you are utterly uncharismatic?” Aristide asked. Ker positioned herself so she was slightly in front of Aristide. “The self-affirmations are to boost my confidence, not yours.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“Now I’m holding grudges against furniture. Fantastic. I’ve been alive so long that I’m no longer maturing, I’m regressing into a juvenile state.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“Daggers will give you the opportunity to attack and then get close.” “What about running—” “Running away is not an option.” “Okay, then.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“Now call them,” Noctus said. “I don’t know their names—don’t they have names?” “Yes, but you don’t need to know their names to call them.” “Really? Because it seems like it would be rude to not use their names.” Noctus stared at me. “Are you truly considering if an heirloom—a weapon created for blood and battle—can have feelings that can be hurt?” I swirled my hand through the pocket realm’s mist. “Well. Politeness doesn’t cost anything.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“When you got Ama I thought maybe you were going to become one of those bachelor-pet-owner types. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I think Chloe will be good for you!” Shiloh winked and made a heart shape with her fingers. I lay in Noctus’s arms, deeply traumatized by the conversation. She thought Noctus was going to become an old cat lady? Noctus. The elf king?! Noctus took advantage of my shock to ease me onto my back so he cradled me like a baby.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“But you don’t fear me because of my power,” Noctus repeated. I awkwardly shuffled my feet. “Um, well, I have more memories of being cuddled by you than anything else, and all of this is just ridiculously bad luck on my end. So…no?”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“I knew I’d like you,” Aristide said, his voice thick with smug satisfaction. “Anyone able to convince Noctus that they’re a cat deserves him.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“Healing is the only way any being can live so long, or eventually the trauma will crush you.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“1) Aristide grabbed the arms of his folding chair and turned to us so fast he almost flipped his chair over. 2) Ker stood up so fast she stepped on her own tail in the process and fell down again. 3) Something loud crashed in the garage—Charon had obviously heard Shiloh’s question as well thanks to his elf hearing. I remained perfectly still—not because I wasn’t shocked by the question. No. It was only because of years of practice at passing as a normal cat that made me remain in Noctus’s arms. Well, practice, and maybe I was paralyzed in my shock. Noctus didn’t bat an eye, didn’t react to any of us, he didn’t even hesitate. “Yes,” he said. This time Aristide did tip over, but that was all I had time to see before I bonelessly slid off Noctus’s shoulder and pooled into his arms like goo, gazing up at him in horror. Have you lost your mind!? What could possibly inspire you to say that?”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“This is how Chloe, as a person, has swiftly come to mean so much during our complicated and short history. Despite all her personal fears and anxiety, she still reaches for me. She doesn’t flinch when she touches me, she doesn’t care if she must lean against my chest. If Amalourne was a pet’s love—warm but focused only on affection as a comfort and moment of peace—Chloe was the dangerous and alluring hint of a binding love—something that lasted through death, pain…and power. Something far deeper, far rarer, and far more precious. And yet, it is something I still can’t have. I doubt it’s what wild magic has in mind for her, but—more importantly—that’s the kind of love that is dangerous for me to have when my sole purpose in life is to fulfill my duties. It would distract me and keep me from it.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“Charon closed the door behind them, once again leaving me alone with Aristide and Noctus. Aristide slapped his thighs. “Well, I am beat. I need to turn in.” “You’re a vampire,” Noctus said. “You don’t need much sleep. And you’re nocturnal.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“Oh shut up!” I snapped at it, a flicker of anger burning in my soul. “Do you really think I’m going to feel bad about this? I killed my own family because of you. I ended a dynasty to save your precious humans. I’m not sacrificing more.”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow

“faded, dissolving”
― K.M. Shea, The King's Shadow