Twas hard to dislike a man she so enjoyed in bed. Twas harder still to dislike one who kept showing her a more gentle side to his nature

You are not my wife yet, to concern yourself in my affairs."
"And when I am your wife?"
His conscience pricked him, making him snap, "You will learn not to question me."

-Royce to Corliss-

She had simply shed the mantle of slavery as easily as she had worn it, making him realize that she had never really worn it at all.

Do for yourself, for no one else will.

Now that's the sort of love Richard had always been looking for, enduring, defying obstacles, reciprocated.

Ignore you, sweetheart? I think it would be easier to stop breathing."
-Vasili