The Favourite Quotes

“We both need to catch up on our sleep,” he said sensibly, even as his eyes devoured her.  “Once we are both sufficiently rested, then we can reacquaint ourselves—” Jane whipped her shift up and over her head and he forgot all reason.  “Gods, I’ve missed you, Wife,” he confessed with a groan and set about kissing her with what little energy he had left to him.  It seemed he had reserves that he had heretofore not been aware of.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Looking at Vawdrey’s face, Alisander realized that nothing but the truth would do.  He released a pent-up breath.  “I’ve been distracted of late.  It is Jane,” he admitted.  “She is not remaining where she should.  In the place I put her, I mean.  She—well, she keeps—” He broke off.  “She is simply not behaving as she ought,” he concluded lamely.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“think it’s too late for me,” she answered, her voice wobbly.  “So just save yourself.”  Oh, my gods, what was she saying?  Was she admitting to … to …?”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Jane snorted.  “You are a rogue, Viscount Bardulf.  I always suspected as much.” “Shhh, you must not say so,” he implored, kissing the back of her neck and peeling off her dress.  “Not when I’m trying to worship you with my body.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“He nodded gravely, though his eyes were dancing. “But yes. I will transfer my vital energy into you by way of a secret technique.” “A secret ...?” Words failed her.  “There is nothing remotely secret about your technique!” “It will be most invigorating, I promise,” he whispered.  Jane spluttered but voiced no objection.  “I’m just going to lie here,” she warned him.  “I’m not going to do anything.” “No husband could ask for more.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“When she surfaced moments later, he was holding her firmly upright as she sagged against him.  “Jane,” he murmured, and she could hear the laughter in his voice.  “Your eyes are closed.  You are supposed to be keeping a watchful eye.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“The irony was that wedding Jane had likely been the one thing he had done in his life without an ulterior motive.  He had simply wanted her.  How ironic, that he was now beset on all sides with people thinking he had some nefarious plot afoot.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“I am yours,” she answered without thinking, and the spark in his eyes became a blaze.  “Are you, Jane?” he asked, and she hesitated, unsure what she was committing herself to.  He had been playing again, she realized belatedly”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“The trouble was, Jane no longer believed he was remotely forgetful.  Who was this man, she wondered, that she had been bound to matrimonial bonds?  He was not what he presented to the world, she knew that much.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Unable to resist, he dropped another lingering kiss to her lips.  “Say you will miss me, wife.” “I—you will be home soon enough, I daresay,” Jane choked out in adorable confusion. “I will,” he agreed, “and then I will make you regret this cold leave-taking, madam.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Speaking freely can come with consequences, something you will not have reached your age without learning, I am sure.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“She just could not be sure of him.  He was a terribly teasing creature.  The only thing she could be certain of was that, astonishingly, in his bed, he did not find her lacking.  It was silly to feel so gratified about that, but she could not help it.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“He nodded.  “Take me for your lover, Jane” he urged huskily. “But you—I—” “What?”  He smiled lazily at her.  “You think I can’t be your lover because I am your husband?”  “Well—” “Let us think of it this way,” he suggested.  “Lord and Lady Bardulf are a staid married couple of impeccable reputation, but Alisander de Balon and Jane Cecil … now they are a different matter altogether.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Jane paused.  “It is of no matter; I can simply ask Robert himself.  I am sure he will tell me.” He went still, and an appreciative smile curved his lips.  “Ah, Jane, you are growing sadly devious.” “Are you proud?  It is doubtless your influence.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“My lord?” she gasped incredulously. “You and the rest of your coven will oblige me by packing up and leaving the premises by nightfall.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“I have never found you dull precisely,” he admitted lightly.  “Instead, let us say, excessively polite.” “Perhaps it occurred to me, you might not care for polite women in the bedchamber,” Jane said, and he almost gasped.  “Jane,” he whispered.  “What a very bold thing to say.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Jane’s eyes widened with alarm.  “That I would prefer to simply present the facts, rather than be interrogated.” He clicked his tongue with disapproval.  “Very well, you will have the chance to do so, but if you fail to think of three, then I can question you instead.” Jane lowered her knife.  “If you insist,” she conceded grimly, “but in return, I must beg the same favor.” His eyes gleamed.  “Well, this is encouraging,” he said, smiling to himself as he buttered himself some bread.  “I had no idea you were similarly afflicted.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“Do I frighten you, Jane?” he asked with a directness that was almost shocking. “No, you don’t,” she answered after a heartbeat, “but I am starting to wonder if you should.” A smile touched his lips and was gone again just as quickly.  “You, never.  Others … perhaps.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“I am not sure I have ever sought one out,” he admitted after a moment’s consideration.  “In truth, I have very little notion of how to treat a wife.  I think the easiest thing will be if I simply treat you as my latest mistress.”  Jane was so astonished by this reasoning that she simply stared at him.  “Does that offend you?” “I am not sure,” she admitted.  “The only thing I know about mistresses is that they are left to die alone.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite

“I had hoped that the next time you saw me, I would be the triumphant mother of a son,” Helen admitted shakily.  “Then you would kneel once more at my feet instead of the Queen’s.” Jane winced.  “Your ambition was always monumental, Sister.”
― Alice Coldbreath, The Favourite