I've crossed a world of sand and tears in search of you.

— V.S. Carnes

I’ve crossed a world of sand and tears in search of you. I love you. Furthermore, I’ve done nothing in my life worth more than that.

— V.S. Carnes

I will not marry Ashton. However, bound by honor to do so, I will not marry Ashton. I will not marry, ever!” “Why not?”“Because I love you, you idiot!

— V.S. Carnes

Just say, dahlia.” Without hesitation, “Dahlia.” He nodded. Her accent was getting no better. “Now, you can never take it back.”“Well, what does it mean? Thank you?” She should have asked sooner. He didn’t turn to meet the gaze he felt on him, his voice full of sand, his stomach sick. “It gives me charge of your life.

— V.S. Carnes

Kent had begun sleeping with his good eye open, for he knew the mark of sedition when he saw it. Even partway blinded, who could see it better?

— V.S. Carnes

Kent steepled his fingers in consideration. Blood-red rubies flashed in the sunlight, like the eyes of a demon clutched in his hands.

— V.S. Carnes

Keys are right: a woman could destroy a man. This one could do so, simply by knowing his name. She could do so, simply with her eyes.

— V.S. Carnes

La mu’AESA, but I think I’ll just keep sliding down this greased pole to hell?

— V.S. Carnes

Looking back at him was a man who was battered and broken. And alive, for the first time in his life.

— V.S. Carnes

My name, sir, is Virginia Wessex. I am a Sunday school teacher from Sussex, England, and I have given you no leave to address me as anything.” His mouth seemed to almost smile, but if so, he caught it just on the brink and decided against it. “Well, I’ve just given the gent who found you first an obscene amount of money to address you however I please… Gilliam.

— V.S. Carnes