Morgan Rhodes Quotes & Sayings

I want to be respected. I want to be powerful. And yes, I want to be special. I want to leave a mark on this world so no one forgets who I was. — Morgan Rhodes

It didn't really matter who someone was, princess, peasant, rebel, or just a boy or a girl. — Morgan Rhodes

Because if you don't choose to fight against the wrong in the world, then you are the wrong in the world. — Morgan Rhodes

Sometimes I feel as if I'm cursed. A slow, hungry curse that has worked its way across my entire life, stripping me of everything I love. — Morgan Rhodes

You won't believe me, no matter what I say. Clearly there's nothing I can do or say that will change your opinion of me."
"You want everything, take all that you can get, but you give nothing back in return," Magnus snarled through clenched teeth. "Leave me. — Morgan Rhodes

He drank straight from the bottle now, ignoring his goblet. How stupid that his father had forbidden such pleasures in Limeros all those years, citing religious reasons. Valoria had taught that to keep a clear mind was to keep a pure heart, and her people had obeyed. Magnus had always subscribed to this credo, believing that he truly preferred a clear mind to this . . . this . . . Yes. This was better. Drunk was much better than sober. He — Morgan Rhodes

I'll rest up. As soon as I take care of the horses for his majesty." "See you tomorrow." She went up on her tiptoes to kiss Nic's cheek. At the last moment he turned his face so she kissed his lips instead. This earned her a newly brightened ear-to-ear grin. "Till tomorrow, princess. — Morgan Rhodes

But I do," the king said. "I mean a great deal of harm to stupid girls who become too curious. Now, let's see. One listens to private conversations with the ears. So perhaps I should slice yours from your head and have you wear them as a necklace as an example for everyone else." He held his hand out to a guard, who placed a dagger in it. She whimpered as he traced the edge of the blade along the side of her face. "But you see with your eyes. I can take those as well. Pluck them out of your head right now. I'm quite good at it. You'd barely feel a thing. I've found that those with bloody holes in their face tend to learn from their mistakes. — Morgan Rhodes

The boy hung there, impaled, his eyes wide, and he stared at Magnus as if surprised. Such an expression on one who had fully meant to kill him only angered Magnus further. He — Morgan Rhodes

I'm not planning to assassinate her." Jonas met each of their gazes in turn. "I'm planning to kidnap her. — Morgan Rhodes

f you want something," Tomas had always said "you have to take it. Because nobody's ever going to give it to you. Remember that, little brother. — Morgan Rhodes

Our scars are like the rings in a tree trunk, showing its progress through life. How we heal and move forward through adversity . . . that is what makes the difference. — Morgan Rhodes

My, my." Nic's voice cut into her thoughts. "Perhaps you'd like me to leave the two of you alone so you can continue to stare at each other all day long?" Heat came to her cheeks and she tore her gaze away from Theon. "Don't be ridiculous." Nic laughed, but it wasn't filled with amusement like before. It was much drier and less pleasant this time. He leaned forward and whispered so Theon couldn't hear. "Just keep one thing in mind as you embark on this arrangement with your new bodyguard . . ." She looked at him sharply. "What's that?" He held her gaze. "He's not royal either. — Morgan Rhodes

There was no hope in death, only an end. — Morgan Rhodes

It was desperate, this kiss. Violent, even.
But of course it was. It had been building up between them for such a long time, as the battle about this boy who had destroyed her life had raged inside her. This boy who had saved her life, who was cruel and kind, strong and weak. Who was selfish and selfless all at once. — Morgan Rhodes

Lucia couldn't deny it. Cleo was getting to her, breaking through that dark wall that surrounded her. Believe in magic. Believe in the impossible. Believe, tentatively, in this fragile new friendship with Cleo. And believe that one day she'd see Alexius again. — Morgan Rhodes

That which one fears, one typically won't embrace with open arms. — Morgan Rhodes

Later, they also found a camp of outlaws who, when offered the chance to join the rebel ranks, unsheathed their daggers and threatened to cut the three into tiny, bloody pieces and eat them for dinner.
They too that as a firm no. — Morgan Rhodes

I'm going to continue keeping an eye on him, Becca said. If he does anything shady, I'll report back. I swear I won't let anything bad happen to you if I can help it.
He nodded as he collected the copper box and began to follow after Barnabas. The feeling is entirely mutual, Becca Hatcher. — Morgan Rhodes

You're the same as you were yesterday and the day before. Nothing has changed. Not really. Forget what troubles you. Regret nothing, but learn from any mistakes you make. Tomorrow will be a brighter day, I promise. — Morgan Rhodes

One could get bored even with beauty when one was constantly surrounded by it. — Morgan Rhodes

He left the tavern and began walking through the maze of buildings and cobblestone streets to find his way back to the palace. However, soon he found himself hopelessly lost. Ten . . . eleven . . . fifteen drinks. How many had he had? "Oh, Nic," he mumbled. "Not good. Not good at all. — Morgan Rhodes

I haven't believed in magic because I don't believe in anything that I haven't seen with my own eyes. Therefore, I must go to Paelsia as soon as I can and learn the truth for myself — Morgan Rhodes

Ah. I suppose." Oh, this was deeply unpleasant. Being trapped into meaningless small talk with an idiot had never intrigued him, even on a good day. Which this wasn't. — Morgan Rhodes

Magnus had come to a horrible realization. One that he knew would cause him nothing but pain and suffering from that day forward.
But there was no changing the truth of it.
He had fallen in love with her. — Morgan Rhodes

Cleo was surprised that he'd drawn so close to her. "I know." "You could have been killed." "Theon, I wasn't thinking straight." "Neither was I. And neither am I at this very moment." She looked up at him just as he captured her mouth with his and kissed her deeply. This was not a chaste kiss of friendship. This was a kiss of true passion, such as she'd only dreamed of before. Her heart leapt in her chest and she wrapped her arms around him to pull him closer. When it finally ended, he stepped back from her, his eyes steady on the ground, a deep frown creasing his brow. "My humble apologies for that, princess." She pressed her fingers against her lips. "Please, don't apologize. — Morgan Rhodes

But before she could speak another word, he crushed his mouth against hers. — Morgan Rhodes

But she didn't fall. Someone was there, reaching an arm around her waist to steady her. She looked up expecting to see Nic, but it was Magnus.
His dark brows were drawn tightly together. Problem, princess? — Morgan Rhodes

Tears aren't just for babies. They're proof that you feel something and aren't afraid to show it. It's those that won't ever allow themselves to cry that are the weak ones. — Morgan Rhodes

Memories of one's past are tainted. There are no truths to be found in them. — Morgan Rhodes

There was only one person who could change your destiny, and that was yourself. — Morgan Rhodes

But minding one's own business wasn't very interesting. Or useful. — Morgan Rhodes

He couldn't deny that she was lovely ... maybe even the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. But the most beautiful girl could still be deceptive and evil. — Morgan Rhodes

Another thing we have in common - a love of our individual lands. That's good. So, tell me, princess, will you continue to fight me on everything I do? Or will you be nice and cooperate?" Cleo didn't speak for a long, silent moment. But then she met his gaze full-on, and it was every bit as fierce as his was. "Fine. I'll cooperate. But I might not be nice about it." He couldn't help but laugh. "I can live with that. — Morgan Rhodes

Darkness became her world... — Morgan Rhodes

King Gaius began to laugh. It was a dark sound edged in danger and it made a chill run up Magnus's back as it echoed through the cavernous hall. — Morgan Rhodes

Magic will find those with pure heats, even when all seems lost. And love is the greatest magic of all. I know this to be true. — Morgan Rhodes

But there was nothing else she could be right now except strong. — Morgan Rhodes

My grief has burrowed into me like a dark thing that eats away at my life. — Morgan Rhodes

You are wed. You are husband and wife. It is done." It is done. — Morgan Rhodes

You broke it. Congratulations. You've just given me my sixth broken nose, and now I'm going to kill you. — Morgan Rhodes

It was unusual for a girl to be taught how to use weapons. Most believed girls were meant to cook and clean and look after the men. Which was ridiculous. Especially since Lysandra was a natural at this. — Morgan Rhodes

In any case, her fight was not over yet - not nearly over. It had only begun. And yes, Cleo would be strong. Just as her father and Emilia had asked her to be. She would be strong. She would reclaim her rightful throne. She would be queen. — Morgan Rhodes

He said we'd become stars when we died watching over the ones we love. Now I watch the sky every night hoping to find him there. — Morgan Rhodes

She was murdered by rebels.' He took in her unconcealed look of shock. 'So there you go. Something for you to celebrate.'
Magnus turned away from her, ready to find solace in his chambers, but the princess grabbed his arm to stop him. He sent a dark look at her over his shoulder.
'I would never celebrate death, no matter whose it is,' she said, her gaze filled with anger and something else. Something that looked vaguely like sympathy.
'Come now, I'm sure you wouldn't mourn any Damora.'
'I know very well what it's like to lose a parent in a tragic way.'
'Oh, yes, we have so much in common. Maybe we should get married. — Morgan Rhodes

I guess I have a hard time believing in things I can't see. — Morgan Rhodes

Magic will find those with pure hearts, even when all seems lost. — Morgan Rhodes

I think most are too afraid to see the truth. — Morgan Rhodes

- "Can you do me a couple of favors, Farrell?"
- "Depends on what they are."
- "Tell Markus if he's going to send spies after me, he should send smarter ones."
- Charming. "I'll think about it. And the second favor?"
Crys stood up, took a final sip from her glass of ice water, and then poured the rest onto his lap."Go to hell. — Morgan Rhodes

Those who appeared to be victims were always the easiest to victimize. — Morgan Rhodes

Follow you heart wherever it leads. Appreciate life, Cleo. It's a gift that can be stolen at any time. — Morgan Rhodes

But perhaps a heart takes experience and time to harden. — Morgan Rhodes

I'm just trying to make sense of everything and finding that nothing at all makes sense. — Morgan Rhodes

I'm not sure the prince was ever taught the polite way to speak to people," Cleo replied. "And yet," Magnus said, "you're still following me, aren't you?" "For now. But you should remember that charm opens far more doors than harsh words do." "And a sharp ax will open every door." The — Morgan Rhodes

This is how it's meant to be. It shows that everything that exists must one day change - but what is destroyed can be created again with patience and dedication. — Morgan Rhodes

Still seasick?" Milo asked. "What does it look like?" Milo laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. I can't believe you've never been to sea before." "Believe it. Now go away and leave me to die." "Don't worry, it won't be much longer now. I can see land from here." Felix managed to raise his bloodshot eyes to see that, far in the distance, across miles upon miles of churning, open sea - His stomach flopped and gurgled. - was the edge of land. "Praise the goddess," Felix groaned. "I think I might stay in Kraeshia forever." "I — Morgan Rhodes

All magic comes with a price. A price that is never revealed until after the damage has been done. — Morgan Rhodes

What? Who are you marrying?"
His jaw tightened."Princess Cleiona Bellos."
Lucia could not believe her ears. "This has been arranged."
Magnus gave her a look."Oh, not at all. Since helping to take her father's kingdom and destroy her life,I couldn't help but fall madly in love with her. Yes,obviously it was arranged. — Morgan Rhodes

If there isn't an immediate surrender, they'll fight to take the palace." An anger burned inside Cleo's chest. "What will he do?" Emilia's grip on her hands tightened. "Had you been in the Limerian's clutches, I think he would have done anything to save your life." "And now that I'm back?" "Now," Emilia said, gazing into her sister's eyes, "if King Gaius is looking for a war, a war is exactly what he'll get. — Morgan Rhodes

I love you, Cleo," he said, the words finally coming to him, with no effort at all because of how true they were. "I love you so much it hurts."
Her eyes widened. "What did you just say?"
Magnus almost laughed. "I think you heard me right. — Morgan Rhodes

You must weather the storm and come out on the other side stronger than before. — Morgan Rhodes

Kurtis came to see me earlier," Magnus said, before Cleo could reply. "Do you know why?"
"To tell you I've quit archery?"
"No, but it's adorable that you think I'd care about something so trivial. — Morgan Rhodes

It didn't seem to matter whether the previous day had been good or bad; the sun would always rise the next morning. — Morgan Rhodes

Love is stronger than anger. Love is stronger then hate-stronger than anything. Remember that. — Morgan Rhodes

Some sought revenge against their mortal enemies with the edge of a sword. Her plan for vengeance began with the edge of a smile. — Morgan Rhodes

Allow your heart to have faith no matter what. It's what will give you strength in troubled times. — Morgan Rhodes

And since Lucia had quickly learned during tbeir travels that the best kind of fire god was a calm fire god, she'd chosen not to speak a word of it to him. — Morgan Rhodes

You need to think with your head, not only your heart."
He couldn't help but snort softly at that. "You think I'm using my heart right now?"
Brion rolled his eyes. "Yes. And in case there's any doubt, your heart is an idiot just like the rest of you ... — Morgan Rhodes

A woman can always strive to be stronger in the face of painful emotions. — Morgan Rhodes

Sometimes, to regain sanity, one had to acknowledge and embrace the madness. — Morgan Rhodes

What is it?" Brion asked. "You look like you've been chewing on the ass end of a goat." Jonas — Morgan Rhodes

The fire that hollows us out is what allows us to be filled with strength and power where before there was none. — Morgan Rhodes

I believe we make our own destinies, every last one of us. — Morgan Rhodes

You've made mistakes, yes. And I have no doubt, just as anyone who lives and breathes, that you will make many more in your life. But it doesn't change who you are deep down inside. — Morgan Rhodes

I don't really like lies. I prefer to tell the truth whenever possible. It's much easier to keep track of. — Morgan Rhodes

Magnus pondered the twelve people taking up residence at the Hawk and Spear Inn, realizing that nearly half of them wanted him dead.

"And you're definitely one of them," he muttered as Nic trudged through the meeting hall, glaring as he passed the prince. Magnus was sitting alone at a table in front of a sketchbook he'd found in a drawer in his room. "Cassian, look," he called. "I drew a picture of you."

Magnus raised the sketchbook. His fingers smeared with charcoal, he held up a page on which he'd drawn an image of a skinny boy hanging from a noose, his tongue dangling from his mouth, two morbid Xs where the eyes should have been.

Nic, allegedly a very friendly fellow to everyone else in the world, shot Magnus a look of sheer hatred. "You think that's funny?"

"What? You don't like it? Well, they do say art is subjective. — Morgan Rhodes

She kissed his forehead. "The most important changes take time and patience. But I have faith in you - more than anyone else in the whole world. You are destined for greatness, Gaius Damora. And I swear - no matter what I must do to ensure it - that greatness will be yours. — Morgan Rhodes

Hate is a strong emotion. Much more stronger than indifference. But those who burn with hate can also love just as intensely. — Morgan Rhodes

He didn't deserve her; he knew he didn't. He was the Prince of Blood, the son of a monster, who said and did cruel things. Who preemptively leapt to hurt anyone before they could hurt him first. But he would show her that he could change. Magnus could change for her. She was his princess. No. She was his goddess. With her golden skin and golden hair. She was his light. His life. His everything. He loved her more than anything else in this world. Magnus — Morgan Rhodes

In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light be extinguished — Morgan Rhodes

Felix shrugged. "To me, girls are meant to be pretty companions, not rebel comrades. They're good for washing our clothes and preparing meals after a long day." He flashed Jonas a grin. "And, of course, they're excellent for warming beds." Jonas eyed him with an edge of amusement. "You might want to keep that opinion to yourself when you meet Lysandra." "She's not pretty?" "Oh, she is. Extremely pretty, in fact. But she'll hand your arse to you on a rusty platter if you ever ask her to cook your meals or wash your clothes. And especially if you invite her to warm your bed." "If she's as pretty as you say I might try to change her mind." Jonas's grin widened. "Good luck with that. I'll be sure to bring flowers to your grave." Felix — Morgan Rhodes

I believe in magic. In evil sorceresses who deep down are really beautiful princesses. I believe in immortals who live in a different world than this one, accessible by magical stone wheels. — Morgan Rhodes

Despite Danaus's ancient age and vast wealth of knowledge, he really was deeply stupid. — Morgan Rhodes

Even in the darkest and most cruel person, there is still a kernel of good. And within the most perfect champion, there is darkness. The question is, will one give in to the dark or the light? It's something we decide with every choice we make, every day that we exist. What might not be evil to you could be evil to someone else. Knowing this makes us powerful even without magic. — Morgan Rhodes

She straightened, forcing herself not to feel guilty. "All right, fine. I'm leaving. I'm going to Paelsia and I don't care what anyone says. Are you going to try to stop me?" Nic studied her for a moment, his expression neutral. "No. But I'll tell you what I am going to do." "What?" He grinned. "I'm going with you. — Morgan Rhodes

If every mortal looked at others as their friends, not as their enemies, the world would be a much better place, wouldn't it? — Morgan Rhodes

Princess," King Gaius said, standing as she took a seat. "You look beautiful today." "Thank you, your grace." Why did men always find it necessary to comment on whether or not a woman's exterior pleased them? She knew she was beautiful. No need to constantly restate it, as if doing so would earn one points in a game. The — Morgan Rhodes

Lysandra Barbas, please meet Princess Cleiona Bellos. — Morgan Rhodes

How stupid to abandon something I loved because someone I loved abandoned me. — Morgan Rhodes

If Kyan learned about Lucia's dream visit with Timotheus, he'd be furious. And since Lucia had quickly learned during their travels that the best kind of fire god was a calm fire god, she'd chosen not to speak a word of it to him. Still, — Morgan Rhodes

She dreamed of escape - of growing wings like a bird and flying away from the palace, never to return. But, alas, she was a bird still locked tightly in her cage. — Morgan Rhodes

A gown does not make a bride, just as a few empty threats do not make a rebel. — Morgan Rhodes

There are...sacrifices that must be made. — Morgan Rhodes

I . . . I don't hate you." His dark-eyed gaze held hers. "I don't hate you either. — Morgan Rhodes

That is your greatest mistake. The love you felt for him wasn't love at all - it was obsession. Real love means sacrifice, not selfishness. — Morgan Rhodes

You must continue to believe with all your heart. Sometimes belief is all if takes to make something real. — Morgan Rhodes

For ten thousand centimos, I'm tempted to turn you in myself,"Brion said.
Jonas snorted uneasily."For ten thousand centimos, I'm tempted to turn myself in. — Morgan Rhodes

Becca run!" Maddox yelled.
"Becca? Who is Becca?" Valoria asked, Barnabas, Sienna, and Camilla were now up to their shoulders in the mud.
"Oh, that's just another name he likes to call me, now and then" Barnabas called out. "Adorable, yes? Sorry my young friend, but I can't run at the moment. I'm busy sinking to my death. — Morgan Rhodes

Of course, the wedding! The Temple of Cleiona . . . the crowds will all be outside distracting the guards. Inside . . . it's the perfect opportunity to assassinate the king and the prince. — Morgan Rhodes

Some victories didn't taste as sweet as they should — Morgan Rhodes