Shield Of Sparrows Quotes

Praise is for the bedroom, Cross. Not the training ring.

I love you.” “Yes, you do. Don’t forget.

Forgive me, Highness, for not giving a fuck.

Falconi said, "Hey, Gregorovich, you're in fine form. How about a few words to send us on our way?" The ship pretended to clear his throat. "Fine. Here me now. The Lord of Empty Spaces protect us as we venture forth to fight our foes. Guide our hands - and our thoughts - and guide our weapons that we may work our will upon these perversions of peace. Let daring be our shield and righteous fury be our sword, and may our enemies flee at the sight of those that defend the defenseless, and may we stand unbowed and unbroken in the face of evil. Today is the Day of Wrath, and we are the instruments of our species' retribution. Deo duce, ferro comitante. Amen." "Amen," said Hwa-jung and Nielsen. "Now that. was a prayer!" said Sparrow, grinning.

What’s that word you like so much?” He tapped his chin, pretending to think it over. “No.

What was it with the Turans and dawn? Something always seemed to be happening at dawn. “Fine.

What if I jumped? Would anyone notice? No. Not for this princess. A smile tugged at my mouth. I raced for the cliff. My drab, gray dress streamed behind me as I ran, faster and faster, arms pumping, legs pushing. I didn’t think. I didn’t falter. One moment, my feet were tethered to the earth. The next, I was flying.

If the last kiss had ignited the spark, this kiss set me aflame.

The only person who was always going to fight for me was me.

There was only one way for me to break free. Knowledge.

I’ve never met a woman who asked so many questions.

Have you no one else to pester?

My attendance? Entirely unnecessary.

Feel free to wander into mine, Princess.” He leaned in closer. “Zavier likes to share.

I didn’t ask to be married to a stranger and shipped across the continent. I didn’t ask to come to Turah. I didn’t ask to be jailed in a wilderness treehouse. Those were decisions made for me by the whims of men. So you can threaten to take away my freedom all you want, but I will fight you. Every step of the way. Until my last breath. And I will not go quietly into a cage.

There was a tether between us. Gods save us when it snapped. Why couldn’t I feel this way for the man who’d claimed me? Our mouths were too close. All it would take was a shift and we’d collide. We’d crash into each other, and the shock waves would destroy us both. I needed him to say something mean. To strike a nerve. To bruise my heart. I needed him to hurt me so thoroughly, I’d never forgive him. “I hate you.” It should have broken the moment. It should have pissed him off. But he stared at me like I was something to behold. Something to cherish. Something to protect. “Yes, you do,” he said. “Don’t forget.” “Never.

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.[c] Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts. 2My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself where she places her young by Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God. 4How blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Selah 5Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6As they pass through the Valley of Baca,a they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools.b 7They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. 8O LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah 9Behold our shield, O God, and look with favor on the face of Your anointed. 10For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. 12O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!

The katana has been the weapon of the samurai since time immemorial. Consider the inner meaning. Our blade is honed only on a single edge. Why? It is because with the dull edge against our flesh, the katana becomes our shield. This cannot happen with a two-edged sword, One day, in the midst of a melee, you may owe your life to the dull edge rather than the sharp one. Let this contrast remind you that attack and defense are one.

Don’t you have anyone else to bother?” I seethed. “Not today.” The corner of his mouth turned up as the flap to my tent flew open and the woman inside stepped out. “Princess.” She waved me inside. “Your tent is ready.” “Thank you.” I gave her a smile, then flicked the end of my braid, letting it smack the Guardian in the face. His laugh followed me inside the tent.

The Guardian came to a stop in the center of the circle. “You have no chance at outrunning an opponent, either monster or man. You’re too short and slow.” “Thanks,” I deadpanned. “And I was certain I wouldn’t earn any compliments today.” “Praise is for the bedroom, Cross. Not the training ring.” The image of him in a darkened room, shirtless, whispering praise into my ear, popped into my head before I could stop it.

I wasn’t meant to rule or lead. Politics were boring and regal parties overrated. I was not a queen. The crown on my head began to itch.

Not all monsters are born from the gods, my queen. Some of us were made.

Not once in my life had I let myself dream of those possibilities. Not once had I been given the luxury of dreams. If I could be anything in this realm, who would I become? I wanted to find out. So I’d leave Treow today. I’d find the road to Allesaria. I’d find out what was happening in Turah with these sick monsters and burning books. And in doing so, maybe I’d set myself free. No more bride prize, and no more Sparrows. Would I fail? Probably. But maybe, just maybe, I’d find a way. For myself. And for the next princess who wanted a choice. I was more capable than my family expected. I was more than I’d let myself believe. There was a girl inside me who’d once found the courage to jump off a cliffside. That girl had been stifled and smothered. Hidden except for those stolen moments of bravery. It was time to let her stretch her wings and fly.

Not once in my life had I been jealous of Mae. She was Father’s favored daughter. When the time had come for him to choose the Sparrow, it was no shock he’d picked Mae. And she was Margot’s pride and joy. She had a mother while I had a ghost. Still, I’d never envied her, not once. Until now.

stench of my breath and the stink of my body.

I saw you in Roslo. On the cliffside.

Why was I never the first choice? Why was I always the consolation prize? With Father. With Margot. With my tutors. And now with Zavier.

I’m going to regret this.” “Probably.” I backed away for the door, about to duck inside before he could change his mind. “Odessa, wait.” It wasn’t his order that made me stop. It was my name. I was always Cross or Sparrow or my queen. But rarely Odessa. I’d never loved my name more. “Thank you. For saving those children.” He put both hands over his heart and bowed. Then he slipped into his treehouse, closing the door. And my rope ladder? It stayed attached. All night long.

His exhale was so deep that it seemed to come all the way from his toes. A breath he’d been holding for months. “I saw you in Roslo. On the cliffside.

You are the crown prince. It was all a ruse.” “Not all of it.” His eyes darkened, shifting to that forest green as he took my arms, keeping me on my feet. Pulling me close and into his chest. “You have always been my queen.

It was a smile to chase away that sullen fog. A smile to brighten a miserable day. A smile, just for me. It lasted for only a heartbeat. Smiles faded too fast these days.

The corner of his mouth turned up. “I told you to stay quiet today.” “I couldn’t help myself. He made me mad.” “Gods save the men who make you mad.” He shook his head, and then a chuckle came from his throat. It preceded a smile. A real smile, wide and white. My heart skipped. It was a smile to chase away that sullen fog. A smile to brighten a miserable day.

But grateful. For you.” He shifted in his seat like the praise made him uncomfortable. “I’m going to ask you questions now,” I said. “You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t come armed with questions. Honestly, I’m starting to feel like the weapons are unnecessary.” This. This was what I needed to chase away some of the fog. Bickering with Ransom.

And I was certain I wouldn’t earn any compliments today.” “Praise is for the bedroom, Cross. Not the training ring.

It might take me an entire lifetime to satiate my need for Ransom. It sounded like a good way to spend a life.

Tell me you want to leave, and I’ll take you back to Roslo myself.” He was giving me the choice. All I had to do was say yes. “No,” I whispered. His eyes drifted closed, his forehead dropping to mine. “Good. I have no desire to live in Quentis.” “Wh-what?” I leaned away. “You are mine.” His hands dove into my hair, fingers threading through my curls. “Even if we are kingdoms apart, you are mine. But I’d rather not be a kingdom apart.

Was that one of the Guardian’s powers? Could he read minds? Well, if he could read mine… Go away. Please and thank you.

Since Zavier seemed to hold no interest in my body or consummating this marriage, it would be perfectly safe between my breasts.

She is not yours to have.” Fury crackled off Banner’s frame, his body practically vibrating. “She is mine.

The Guardian came to a stop in the center of the circle. “You have no chance at outrunning an opponent, either monster or man. You’re too short and slow.” “Thanks,” I deadpanned. “And I was certain I wouldn’t earn any compliments today.” “Praise is for the bedroom, Cross. Not the training ring.

A monster both beautiful and deadly.

I wanted to be unshackled from everyone’s expectations for just one godsforsaken moment.

But what if I was tired of being kept? What if I didn’t want to rely on a man to be my rescuer?

He nodded. “Ransom. My name is Ransom.

To the characters who came before. To the stories that led us here. To the chances we take. To the dreams we chase. Trust your wings.

I closed my eyes, feeling the salt water spray on my face. I tilted my head to the sky, the warmth of the sun on my cheeks, and I filled my lungs with the wind. My adventure.

If I truly wanted to be in control of my destiny, then I couldn’t wait for someone else to save me from danger. The only person who was always going to fight for me was me.

You might earn my name one day. But make no mistake, Cross. I will never trust you.

Was I ready to train with a man who could break my neck with a snap of his fingers or slice me in half with one flick of that sword? No. Definitely not ready. I want a sword. What the fuck was I thinking? If I died in this makeshift training area today, it would be my own damn fault.

Soft lips. Straight, white teeth. Sparkling eyes. That smile was breathtaking.

Did you ever stop to think that maybe the door to your cage has always been unlocked, Sparrow? And all you had to do

My queen demanded a sword.

Of course. Silly me for thinking we were all in the dark. Nope, just me. I was being taken to Turah and ordered to steal their secrets. I’d been married off to a prince and forced to sign an ancient, magical treaty in my blood. I’d done everything required of a princess in my station with barely an objection.

To show that bitch who the real monster in Calandra was.

I fought the urge to stick out my tongue.

Yet those emerald green eyes would linger in my mind for hours. Emerald meant he was amused. Intrigued. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever seen him actually happy, but green was the color of his gaze when he wasn’t pissed off. They changed to varying shades of hazel when he was serious or focused or annoyed. And then there was the silver of his rage. I shouldn’t be able to read his eyes. I should have been concentrating on Zavier’s instead. Yet my husband had made himself scarce, spending most of his time with Evie.

Except when I reached the walkway on the second floor, my feet stopped. The Guardian stood outside my door, casually leaning against the wall. His eyes were emerald green. His hair was damp at the ends and in need of a trim. His clothes were clean, and if he’d found any trouble, he’d washed it away. Along with his beard. His face was clean-shaven, and I’d never seen such a chiseled jaw, the corners as sharp as my knives. Gods, he looked gorgeous. With or without the beard, I didn’t care. He was here, and he was safe. He might be the Guardian, but that didn’t stop me from worrying. “Hi.” My voice, damn it, was too breathy. He pushed off the building, walking closer as he tossed a sheathed sword my way. I went to catch it, but it slipped out of my fingers and clattered at my feet. “Oops.” He cast his eyes skyward. “Oda, save me.” “Well, I didn’t know you were going to throw it at me.” I picked it up, letting my hair cover the blush of my cheeks. “What is this for?” “My queen demanded a sword.

What do we do?” “We?” “Yes.” I was part of this now. This country. I glanced at Evie. This family. Whether they wanted me or not. “We kill the monsters. We kill them all. Every last one.” Him. He meant to kill the monsters. Then himself. He smirked, his arrogant mask falling into place. “Just think of how happy your father will be when I’m dead. You can even tell him you killed me, just like he asked. My queen the assassin.

The High Priest lifted off the floor and floated at the Guardian’s side.

I might be the woman wearing the crown, but Jocelyn was the one with the riches, wasn’t she?

Jocelyn’s mother. She kept waving. She never stopped. Her arms had to be tired, but she kept waving to her daughter. I might be the woman wearing the crown, but Jocelyn was the one with the riches, wasn’t she?

But I will not bend to your every whim. I will not humiliate myself because you deem me insignificant. If you wanted me to stay quiet, then you

should have let that marroweel kill me. I am not one of your warriors to lead. I am not your wife to command. So no, we do not have an understanding.

Only fools and liars burn books and people’s homes.

Who would I become if I wasn't at the mercy of men?

Um… What?

For most beasts, your only hope is to inflict a wound. Go for the throat. Slice a leg. Gouge an eye. Anything to slow it down so you can run and hide. If you’re fighting a man, go for the kill.

If I was going to die, I didn’t want my last sight to be rows of teeth, so I stayed locked on the Guardian. He might be a jackass, but at least he was handsome.

I’d learned a long time ago to live without his affection. His love. But damn it, no matter how hard I tried, I wanted his trust. His confidence.

I guess you’ll just have to be careful not to bite her.” What in the six shades was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I shut the fuck up?

I am loyal to my people. Does it matter who they believe I am? A prince or a guardian? I strive to keep them safe. From the monsters with claws. And the monsters with crowns.

A King cannot kill his Sparrow, and a Sparrow cannot kill her King, either directly or indirectly, without death befalling them both.

When I am nothing but dust and ash, Turah will endure. I do not need a crown. And I have made peace with my destiny. But before I step into my grave, my choice is you.

Worried about me, my queen?” I rolled my eyes. “Only that you’d die and I wouldn’t get to spit on your grave.