Nahri was a survivor, and it was time to get to work.

I do not believe ambitious men who say the only route to peace and prosperity lies in giving them more power – particularly when they do it with lands and people who are not theirs.

I find politics loathsome.” “Do you?” Muntadhir waved about the courtyard. “And what do you think all this is if not politics? I find that those who look on politics with contempt are usually the first to be dragged down by them.

Not wanting to be destroyed by despair doesn’t make you a coward. It makes you a survivor.

In what world do men and women pay the same price for passion? You’ll be the one blamed.

If you rule by violence, you should expect to be removed by violence.

Dara hesitated and then spoke. “If what I have seen is true, it means there is peace for the worst of us. Rest for those who do not deserve it. It was beautiful. And it spoke to a mercy this world does not deserve.

A new, rather grisly lesson in Daevabad’s history.” Nahri made a face. “Just once, I’d like to learn of an event that was nothing but our ancestors conjuring rainbows and dancing in the street together.

My name is Banu Manizheh.

She told me to keep myself whole. That there wasn’t any shame in taking care of yourself in order to help those who needed you.