Siege And Storm Nikolai Quotes

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Watch yourself, Nikolai,” Mal said softly. “Princes bleed just like other men.” Nikolai plucked an invisible piece of dust from his sleeve. “Yes,” he said. “They just do it in better clothes.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I took a breath. “Your highness—” “Nikolai,” he corrected. “But I’ve also been known to answer to ‘sweetheart’ or ‘handsome.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I want to kiss you,” Nikolai said. “But I won’t. Not until you’re thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Weakness is a guise. Wear it when they need to know you're human, but never when you feel it.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nikolai?” I asked as I closed the book’s cover and headed for the door. “They always end up dead.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Anything worth doing always starts as a bad idea.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I can’t decide if you’re a fearmonger or a coward.” “And I can’t decide if you’re an idiot or an idiot.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You heard Prince Perfect," Mal said, and joined us at the table. Nikolai grinned. "I've had a lot of nicknames, but that one is easily the most accurate.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
My mother was an oyster,” he said with a wink. “And I’m the pearl.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You’re mad,” I said. “You know what he can do. No prize is worth that.” Sturmhond grinned. “That remains to be seen.” “The Darkling will hunt you for the rest of your days.” “Then you and I will have something in common, won’t we? Besides, I like to have powerful enemies. Makes me feel important.” Mal crossed his arms and considered the privateer. “I can’t decide if you’re crazy or stupid.” “I have so many good qualities,” Sturmhond said. “It can be hard to choose.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
And there’s no way I’m leaving you alone with Prince Perfect.” “So you don’t trust me to resist his charms?” “I don’t even trust myself. I’ve never seen anyone work a crowd the way he does. I’m pretty sure the rocks and trees are getting ready to swear fealty to him.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I may not have been completely honest about that." "You? Less than truthful? I'm shocked, Nikolai. Shocked and horrified.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Great,” I said. “Now get out.” “It’s my coach.” “The deal was only for kicking. It did not prohibit slapping, punching, biting or cutting you in half.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Nikolai laughed. "Next time, bring a flask. Every time he changes his mind, take a sip." I groaned. "I'd be passed out on the floor before the hour was up.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
It’s always been this way. There were rumors about me even before I was born. It’s why my mother never calls me Sobachka. She says it makes me sound like a mongrel.” My heart gave a little pang at that. I’d been called plenty of names growing up. “I like mongrels,” I said. “They have cute floppy ears.” “My ears are very dignified.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I’m also Sturmhond, commander of the Volkvony, scourge of the True Sea.’ 'Scourge?’ 'Well, I’m vexing at the very least.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
The world is changing," said Nikolai, the steel edge emerging in his voice. "We change with it, or there will be nothing to remember us but dust.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I'll get them out and come back. I promise." "On your word as a cutthroat and a pirate?" He touched my cheek once, briefly. "Privateer." Another explosion rocked the grounds. "Let's go!" shouted Mal. As we sprinted into the tunnel, I glanced back and saw Nikolai silhouetted against the purple twilight. I wondered if I'd ever see him again.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Not every man," I murmured. Nikolai followed my gaze. "Yes, Alina, even your stalwart champion has his price." He turned back to me, his hazel eyes thoughtful. "And I suspect I'm looking at it right now.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I shouldn't have lost my temper that way. It just pricks his pride, makes him dig in his heels." "So why did you?" I asked, genuinely curious. It was rare for Nikolai's emotions to get the best of him. "I don't know," he said, shredding the leaf. "You got angry. I got angry. The room was too damn hot." "I don't think that's it." "Indigestion?" he offered. "It's because you actually care about what happens to this country," I said. "The throne is just a prize to Vasily, something he wants to squabble over like a favorite toy, You're not like that. You'll make a good king." Nikolai froze. "I…" For once, words seemed to have deserted him. Then a crooked, embarrassed smile crept across his face. It was a far cry from his usual self-assured grin. "Thank you," he said. I sighed as we resumed our pace. "You're going to be insufferable now, aren't you?" Nikolai laughed. "I'm already insufferable.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
The less you say, the more weight your words will carry. Don’t argue. Never deign to deny. Meet insults with laughter. “You didn’t laugh at the Fjerdan captain,” I observed. “That wasn’t an insult. It was a challenge,” he said. “Know the difference.” Weakness is a guise. Wear it when they need to know you’re human, but never when you feel it. Don’t wish for bricks when you can build from stone. Use whatever or whoever is in front of you. Being a leader means someone is always watching you. Get them to follow the little orders, and they’ll follow the big ones. It’s okay to flout expectations, but never disappoint them.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I have so many good qualities," Sturmhond said, "It can be hard to choose.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Who are you?” Mal asked furiously. “That’s a complicated question.” “Actually, it’s pretty straightforward,” I said, springing to my feet. “But it does require telling the truth. Something you seem thoroughly incapable of.” “Oh, I can do it,” Sturmhond said, shaking water from one of his boots. “I’m just not very good at it.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Who are you, and what are you playing at?” “Nikolai Lantsov, but please don’t make me recite my titles again. It’s no fun for anybody, and the only important one is ‘prince.’” “And what about Sturmhond?” I asked. “I’m also Sturmhond, commander of the Volkvolny, scourge of the True Sea.” “Scourge?” “Well, I’m vexing at the very least.” I shook my head. “Impossible.” “Improbable.” “This is not the time to try to be entertaining.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Weakness is a guise. Wear it when they need to know you’re human, but never when you feel it. Don’t wish for bricks when you can build from stone. Use whatever or whoever is in front of you.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Short on friends, your highness?" "And long on enemies," replied Nikolai.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Have you even held a command?” Nikolai asked. I’d once led a seminar of junior mapmakers, but I didn’t think that was what he meant.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Your highness—” “Nikolai,” he corrected. “But I’ve also been known to answer to ‘sweetheart’ or ‘handsome.’” Mal whirled, but I silenced him with a pleading look. “You need to stop that right now, Nikolai,” I said. “Or I’ll knock those princely teeth out myself.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
If you want to lie to me, go ahead. But I'm not going to pretend to believe you." "Why not?" asked Sturmhond, stepping into the tent. "It's only common courtesy.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You know, for two people with a love eternal, you’re awfully insecure,” Nikolai said.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I can't decide if you're a fearmonger or a coward" "And I can't deicide if you're an idiot or an idiot.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
As he was helping me back into the coach, he slipped his arm around my waist. “Please don’t punch me,” he whispered. Then he yanked me hard against his chest and pressed his lips to mine.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Why hunt the sea whip if you only meant to turn it over to Alina?” “I wasn’t hunting the sea whip. I was hunting you.” “That’s why you raised a mutiny against the Darkling?” I asked. “To get at me?” “You can’t very well mutiny on your own ship.” “Call it what you like,” I said, exasperated. “Just explain yourself.” Sturmhond leaned back and rested his elbows on the rail, surveying the deck. “As I would have explained to the Darkling had he bothered to ask—which, thankfully, he didn’t—the problem with hiring a man who sells his honor is that you can always be outbid.” I gaped at him. “You betrayed the Darkling for money?” “‘Betrayed’ seems a strong word. I hardly know the fellow.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I don’t think—” “Clearly. Why start now?” Ivan’s face flushed in anger. “You don’t—” Sturmhond leaned in close, the laughter gone from his voice, his easy demeanor replaced by something with a sword’s edge. “I don’t care who you are on land. On this ship, you’re nothing but ballast. Unless I put you over the side, in which case you’re shark bait. I like shark. Cooks up tough, but it makes for a little variety. Remember that the next time you have a mind to threaten anyone aboard this vessel.” He stepped back, his jolly manner restored. “Go on now, shark bait. Scurry back to your master.” “I won’t forget this, Sturmhond,” Ivan spat. The captain rolled his eyes. “That’s the idea.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I’ve never met a man who can say so much without saying anything at all,” I fumed as Nikolai walked me back to the Little Palace after a particularly wretched session. “There’s got to be something you can do.” “Like what?” “Get one of his prize ponies to kick him in the head.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I want to kiss you," Nikolai said. "But I won't. Not until you're thinking of me instead of trying to forget him." •chapter 19, page 354
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
It would be a marriage in name only," Sturmhond insisted. Then, as if he couldn't help himself, he flashed Mal a taunting grin. "Except for the matter of producing heirs.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
There are rumors that you died on the Fold. People have been selling off parts of you all over Ravka and West Ravka for months. You’re quite the good luck charm.” “Those are supposed to be my fingers?” “Knuckles, toes, fragments of rib.” I felt sick. I looked around, hoping to spot Mal, needing to see something familiar. “Of course,” Nikolai continued, “if half of those were really your toes, you’d have about a hundred feet. But superstition is a powerful thing.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nikolai? They always end up dead.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
i want to kiss you," nikolai said. "but i won't. not until you're thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Watch yourself, Nikolai," Mal said softly. " Princes bleed just like other men.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Don’t waste your breath, lovely.” “But you don’t even know what I was going to say.” “You were about to plead your case, tell me you need my help, you can’t pay me but your heart is true, the usual thing.” I blinked. That was exactly what I’d been about to do. “But—” “Waste of breath, waste of time, waste of a fine afternoon,” he said. “I don’t like to see prisoners mistreated, but that’s as far as my interest goes.” “You—” He shook his head. “And I’m notoriously immune to tales of woe. So unless your story involves a talking dog, I don’t want to hear it. Does it?” “Does it what?” “Involve a talking dog.” “No,” I snapped. “It involves the future of a kingdom and everyone in it.” “A pity,” he said, and took me by the arm, leading me to the aft hatch. “I thought you worked for Ravka,” I said angrily. “I work for the fattest purse.” “So you’d sell your country to the Darkling for a little gold?” “No, for a lot of gold,” he said. “I assure you, I don’t come cheap.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Pauper or prince, every man can be bought.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Show them weakness when they need to see it, never when you feel it. -Nikolai Lantsov
Leigh Bardugo
Brothers," he said, "I have brought the Sun Summoner back to Ravka." I couldn't help myself. I hauled off and punched him in the face.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I shifted uneasily in my seat. "You're so sure of everything," I said sourly. "Maybe I'll decide I want the throne and smother you in your sleep." Nikolai just grinned. "Finally," he said, "you're thinking like a politician.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Anyway, I think I made a bit of progress." "How did you manage that?" "Well, they liked that you served in the First Army, and that you saved their prince's life." "After he risked his own life rescuing us?" "I may have taken some liberties with the details." "Oh, Nikolai will love that. Is there more?" "I told them you hate herring." "Why?" "And that you love plum cake. And that Ana Kuya took a switch to you when you ruined your spring slippers in puddles." I winced. "Why would you tell them all that?' "I wanted to make you human," he said. "All they see when they look at you is the Sun Summoner. They see a threat, another powerful Grisha like the Darkling. I want them to see a daughter or a sister or a friend. I want them to see Alina." I felt a lump rise in my throat. "Do you practice being wonderful?" "Daily," he said with a grin. Then he winked. "But I prefer 'useful.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I can't deicide if you're a fearmonger or a coward" "And I can't deicide if you're an idiot or an idiot.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
No Grisha has ever taken a second amplifier. The risks—" "Now that's a word best not used around me. I tend to be overfond of risk.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I shivered and rubbed my hands over my arms. “I hate it when you talk like that. You sound just like the Darkling.” “If you ever have trouble telling us apart, look for the person who isn’t torturing you or trying to kill Mal. That will be me.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
The world is changing,’ said Nikolai, the steel edge emerging in his voice. ‘We change with it, or there will be nothing left to remember us but the dust.’ Vasily laughed. ‘I can’t decide if you’re a fearmonger or a coward.’ ‘And I can’t decide if you’re an idiot or an idiot.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Sigo una estricta dieta de imprudente entusiasmo y sincero arrepentimiento.- Nikolai.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Vasily laughed. “I can’t decide if you’re a fearmonger or a coward.” “And I can’t decide if you’re an idiot or an idiot.” Vasily’s face turned purple.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I'm a privateer, Alina", he said quietly. "I'll take whatever I can get.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
The less you say, the more weight your words will carry. Don't argue. Never deign to deny. Meet insults with laughter.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable - Nikolai Lanstov
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You know, for two-people with a love eternal, you're awfully insecure.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
The Darkling will hunt you for the rest of your days." "then you and I will have something in common, won't we? Besides, I like to have powerful. Makes me feel important.
Leigh Bardugo (Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #3))
that’s what heroes do.” “I don’t want him to be a hero!” “He can’t change who he is any more than you can stop being Grisha.” I’d railed at him for wanting me to be something I couldn’t, and all the while, I’d demanded the same thing from him. “You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nikolai?” I asked as I closed the book’s cover and headed for the door. “They always end up dead.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Nikolai cleared his throat. “With all due respect, Oretsev, you don’t quite seem at your best.” “I’m fine.” “Have you looked in a mirror lately?” “I think you do that enough for the both of us,” Mal shot back.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
A boy leans over me: ruddy hair, a broken nose. He reminds me of the too-clever fox, another one of Ana Kuya's stories, smart enough to get out of a one trap, but too foolish to realise he won't escape a second.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
„I went among the pilgrims this morning.“ Nikolai‘s head snapped up. In an instant, the easygoing prince had vanished. „I think I must have misheard you.“ „I‘m fine.“ „She was almost killed,“ said Tamar. „But I wasn‘t,“ I added. „Are you completely out of your mind?“Nikolai asked. „Those people are fanatics.“ He turned on Tamar. „How could you let her do something like that?“ „I didn‘t,“ said Tamar. „Tell me you didn‘t go alone,“ he said to me. „I didn‘t go alone.“ „She went alone.“ „Tamar, shut up. Nikolai, I told you, I‘m fine.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Be of good cheer,” said Nikolai. “Maybe he’ll propose again.” I sat up. “How do you know about that?” “If you recall, I did pretty much the same thing. I’m just surprised he hasn’t tried a second time.” “Apparently I’m not easy to get alone.” “I know,” said Nikolai. “Why do you think I walk you back from the Grand Palace after every meeting?” “For my sparkling company?” I said sourly, annoyed by the twitch of disappointment I felt at his words. Nikolai was so good at making me forget that everything he did was calculated. “That too,” he said.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I want to kiss you,” he said. “You already kissed me,” I replied with a nervous laugh. A smile tugged at his lips. “I want to kiss you again,” he amended. “Oh,” I breathed. His mouth was inches from mine. My heart leapt into a panicked gallop. This is Nikolai, I reminded myself. Pure calculation. I didn’t even think I wanted him to kiss me. But my pride was still smarting from Mal’s rejection. Hadn’t he said he’d kissed plenty of girls? “I want to kiss you,” Nikolai said. “But I won’t. Not until you’re thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.” I shoved backward and lurched awkwardly to my feet, feeling flushed and embarrassed. “Alina—” “At least now I know you don’t always say the right thing,” I muttered.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Are you angry?” I whispered as he led me across the cobblestones. I could see Nikolai on the other end of the square, already chatting with a group of local dignitaries. “With you? No. But Nikolai and I are going to have words when he isn’t surrounded by an armed guard.” “If it makes you feel any better, I kicked him.” Mal laughed. “You did?” “Twice. Does that help?” “Actually, yes.” “I’ll stomp on his foot tonight at dinner.” That fell well outside the kicking prohibition. “So, no heart flutters or swooning, even in the arms of a royal prince?” He was teasing, but I heard the uncertainty beneath his words. “I seem to be immune,” I replied. “And luckily, I know what a real kiss should feel like.” I left him standing in the middle of the square. I could get used to making Mal blush.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
You know, for two people with a love eternal, you're awfully insecure," Nikolai said.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
¿Sabes lo que pasa con los héroes y los santos, Nikolai? Que siempre terminan muertos.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I want to kiss you," Nikolai said. "But I won't. Not until you're thinking of me instead of trying to forget him
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
—¿Sabes cuál es el problema de los héroes y los santos, Nikolai? —pregunté mientras cerraba la cubierta del libro y me dirigía hacia la puerta—. Siempre acaban muertos.
Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone & Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1-2))
El mundo esta cambiando -dijo Nikolai, dejando entrever aquel tono férreo e implacable-. Si no cambiamos con él no quedara más recuerdo de nosotros que el polvo.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I want to kiss you,' Nikolai said. 'But I won't. Not until you're thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I turned on Nikolai and kicked him hard in the shin. He yelped, but that wasn’t nearly satisfying enough. I kicked him again. “Feel better?” he asked. “Next time you try something like that, I won’t kick you,” I said angrily. “I’ll cut you in half.” He brushed a speck of lint from his trousers. “Not sure that would be wise. I’m afraid the people rather frown on regicide.” “You’re not king yet, Sobachka,” I said sharply. “So don’t tempt me.” “I don’t see why you’re upset. The crowd loved it.” “I didn’t love it.” He raised a brow. “You didn’t hate it.” I kicked him again. This time his hand snaked out like a flash and captured my ankle. If it had been winter, I would have been wearing boots, but I was in summer slippers and his fingers closed over my bare leg. My cheeks blazed red. “Promise not to kick me again, and I’ll promise not to kiss you again,” he said. “I only kicked you because you kissed me!” I tried to pull my leg back, but he kept a hard grip. “Promise,” he said. “All right,” I bit out. “I promise.” “Then we have a deal.” He dropped my foot, and I drew it back beneath my kefta, hoping he couldn’t see my idiotic blush. “Great,” I said. “Now get out.” “It’s my coach.” “The deal was only for kicking. It did not prohibit slapping, punching, biting, or cutting you in half.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Don’t argue. Never deign to deny. Meet insults with laughter. “You didn’t laugh at the Fjerdan captain,” I observed. “That wasn’t an insult. It was a challenge,” he said. “Know the difference.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
I ran my finger over one of the pier’s sleek planks. “Is that why you stayed away so long? Why you became Sturmhond?” “I don’t know if there’s just one reason. I guess I never felt like I belonged here, so I tried to make a place where I could belong.” “I never felt like I fit in anywhere either,” I admitted. Except with Mal. I pushed the thought away. Then I frowned. “You know what I hate about you?” He blinked, startled. “No.” “You always say the right thing.” “And you hate that?” “I’ve seen the way you change personas, Nikolai. You’re always what everyone needs you to be. Maybe you never felt like you belonged, or maybe you’re just saying that to make the poor, lonely orphan girl like you more.” “So you do like me?” I rolled my eyes. “Yes, when I don’t want to stab you.” “It’s a start.” “No it isn’t.” He turned to me. In the half-light, his hazel eyes looked like chips of amber. “I’m a privateer, Alina,” he said quietly. “I’ll take whatever I can get.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
He bowed stiffly to Nikolai and then to me. “You don’t have to do that,” I said. “Yes he does.” “You heard Prince Perfect,” Mal said, and joined us at the table. Nikolai grinned. “I’ve had a lot of nicknames, but that one is easily the most accurate.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
Nikolai leaned back in his chair and studied me, his face suddenly serious. “Do you know how I got the name Sturmhond?” he asked. “I thought it was some kind of joke, a play on Sobachka.” “No,” he said. “It’s a name I earned. The first enemy ship I ever boarded was a Fjerdan trader out of Djerholm. When I told the captain to lay down his sword, he laughed in my face and told me to run home to my mother. He said Fjerdan men make bread from the bones of skinny Ravkan boys.” “So you killed him?” “No. I told him foolish old captains weren’t fit meat for Ravkan men. Then I cut off his fingers and fed them to my dog while he watched.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
When they were all assembled around the table, I said, “I went among the pilgrims this morning.” Nikolai’s head snapped up. In an instant, the easygoing prince had vanished. “I think I must have misheard you.” “I’m fine.” “She was almost killed,” said Tamar. “But I wasn’t,” I added. “Are you completely out of your mind?” Nikolai asked. “Those people are fanatics.” He turned on Tamar. “How could you let her do something like that?” “I didn’t,” said Tamar. “Tell me you didn’t go alone,” he said to me. “I didn’t go alone.” “She went alone.” “Tamar, shut up. Nikolai, I told you, I’m fine.” “Only because we got there in time,” said Tamar. “How did you get there?” Mal asked quietly. “How did you find her?” Tolya’s face went dark, and he pounded one of his giant fists down on the table. “We shouldn’t have had to find her,” he said. “You had the watch.” “Leave it alone, Tolya,” I said sharply. “Mal wasn’t where he should have been, and I’m perfectly capable of being stupid on my own.” I took a breath.
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
To Their Most Royal Majesties, the King and Queen of Ravka: It is with a sad heart that I must proffer my regrets and inform you that I will be unable to attend the festivities celebrating the birth of Prince Nikolai Lantsov, Grand Duke of Udova. Unfortunate circumstances have arisen, namely that my best friend can’t seem to stand the sight of me, and your son didn’t kiss me, and I wish he had. Or I wish he hadn’t. Or I’m still not sure what I wish, but there’s a very good chance that if I’m forced to sit through his stupid birthday dinner, I’ll end up sobbing into my cake. With best wishes on this most happy of occasions, Alina Starkov, Idiot
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))