“I’m sorry I hurt you,” Shahrzad said, her eyes luminous. Khalid slid a hand behind her neck and rested his chin atop her head. “As am I, joonam,” he whispered. “So very sorry.” — Renée Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“With each word, he broke past every barrier, every wall. And Sharazad's will fought him, screamed a silent scream, while her heart welcomed the intrusion as a songbird welcomes the dawn.” — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“He would learn the truth. Tonight he would flout his own rules. Meet the girl alone. Ask her a single question. He could afford… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“So you intend to go through life never loving anyone? Just … things?” “No. I’m looking for something more.” “More than love?” “Yes.” “Is it not arrogant to think you deserve more, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid?” “Is it so arrogant to want something that doesn’t change with the wind? That doesn’t crumble at the first sign of adversity?” “You want something… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share
“In the past, I used to think real love was anti-capitalistic. I believed love, as the modern world understood it, was an endless siege fueled by the impossibility of healthy co-dependence. One person always gave. One person always took. Selflessness and selfishness. I was wrong. Real love is unto itself. For every person, it’s different, and no one can presume… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share
“Before she could stop her hands, they reached for him, as though they existed for no other reason than to touch him. Her fingers brushed across his jaw with a feather's caress before pulling away, and he closed his eyes on a soft inhale. Like the poison toying with its remedy, Shahrzad's hands ignored her and took control, a mere… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share
“If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.” The weapons still in her grasp, she shoved… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“Are you ever angry you were born a woman?" "I've never been angry to have been born a woman. There have been times I've… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“It's inevitable. When you meet the one who makes you smile as you've never smiled before, cry as you've never cried before... there is… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“I understand how difficult it is, putting your heart in someone else’s hands. But, if you don’t, how will you ever truly know a… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share Image
“Tonight is a night to turn heads. Make them remember you. Make sure they never forget. You are the Calipha of Khorasan, and you have the ear of a king." Despina put her hand on Shahrzad's shoulder and grinned at their shared reflection. "More important, you have his heart." She bent forward and lowered her voice. "And, most important, you… — Renee Ahdieh Copy Share
