I’ve met nearly every woman in this room, and I can’t think of one who would make a better friend. I’d be glad to have you stay.”My relief was inexpressible.”Do you think,” Maxon asked, “That...

It’s hard to get a hug wrong.

Is this a good time to pat your shoulder?

I wanted to be his dear, his darling.

You’ve changed me forever. And I’ll never forget you.

Need someone to talk to? I could tug my ear right now.

America, I don’t think you can change history.” All the same, his expression looked hopeful.”Sure we can. Besides, who’d ever know about it but you and me?

He must love you very much,’ Gavril said once I had my footing.I couldn’t look at him. ‘What makes you say that?’ Gavril sighed. ‘I’ve known Maxon since he was a child. He’s never stood...

…I want it to be as easy as breathing for you to say yes.

I can’t help it.” I sighed. “One can never help being born into perfection.

No, I’m not choosing him or you. I’m choosing me.

The Angeles air was quiet, and for a while I laid still, listening to the sound of Maxon breathing.

Of course.

If you don’t want me to be in love with you, you’re going to have to stop looking so lovely. First thing tomorrow I’m having your maids sew some potato sacks together for you.

I wanted everything from and everything for him, because I wanted every piece of him.

You’re too beautiful for your own good. Once you leave, we’ll have to send some of the guards with you. You’ll never survive on your own, poor thing.

You get confused by crying women, I get confused by walks with princes.

Something about being that close to him all the time made my bones feel weak.

He reached up and tugged his ear. And I did the same.

Your Majesty—Tugging my ear. Whenever.

I looked at his face, unsure of how many more of his smiles I’d have.

So, buddy…

Oh, please. A man doesn’t need that long to recover from a knee to the thigh.

I was stunned into silence, the way I always was when he touched the sky places of my heart.

December 27, 11:00 p.m.My Dear America,I’ve never written a love letter, so forgive me if I fail now. . . .The simple thing would be to say that I love you. But, in truth, it’s...

I should have known that if any girl was going to disobey an order, it would be you.

We’ll when he lets his guard down he’s okay. Like when he just talks without checking his words or you catch him just looking at something like… He’s really looking for the beauty in it.

Yes, Maxon,” I whispered. “It’s possible.

[But] I have come across anything so painfully beautiful as that kiss. I wish it was something I could save and share with the world so I could tell the universe: this is what it’s...