Home > Work > Daughter of the Moon Goddess (The Celestial Kingdom Duology, #1)
41 " I would not yearn after what had been lost, impossible to regain. I would look to the days ahead, to the happiness which awaited me there . . . if only I were brave and steadfast enough to reach for it. "
― Sue Lynn Tan , Daughter of the Moon Goddess (The Celestial Kingdom Duology, #1)
42 " When the battle lines are drawn, advance with a clear mind. "
43 " I ordered Lady Hualing not to harm you. She agreed—but you, Xingyin, have a knack of evoking strong emotions in those you meet. To both your benefit and detriment. "
44 " Those in love often make promises they can’t keep, "
45 " I had learned that through the pain lay forgiveness, growth, and the eventual healing of our wounds. "
46 " My fingers clenched around the cup as I lifted it in a toast. "May you always be happy."His gaze rested on me. "If I'm always as happy as I am now, that would be the best wish of all. "
47 " Don’t believe everything you hear, especially if it comes from the Demon Realm. Prince Liwei told us that Xingyin was abducted. She would never have gone there of her own will. "
48 " Like a useless peacock?” I finished his sentence for him, with a grin at General Jianyun. Captain Wenzhi did not laugh. “I meant to say, in this dress you don’t look like the warrior you are. "
49 " Be careful. Don't take too long or I'll come back for you," I said, more fiercely than intended."Is that a promise or a threat?" The corner of his lip quirked into a crooked smile. "I confess, my pride will be sorely wounded if you save me again.""Better wounded than dead. "
50 " You're making a habit of saving me," Liwei remarked. "I thought we weren't keeping count. "
51 " And if he hurts you again," I raised my voice so Wenzhi would hear, "he'll have a lightning bolt through his heart.""You've already broken it, Xingyin. What other damage could you do?" he said quietly. "
52 " While she was the Celestial Empress, she was also Liwei’s mother. Through my rashness and pride, I had tangled further the ties between us. "
53 " Trust was something I had learned not to readily yield. Yet my joy could not be restrained - surging free, spilling through me like the rays of the sun reaching across the infinite sky. "
54 " My fists clenched in my lap, the veins straining against the skin. To have my love toyed with so callously, as a blossom plucked and left to wilt on the ground. I deserved more than this. I would salvage what pride remained, for I had lost too much already. "
55 " How rare are such times, even in an immortal life? When happiness is absolute, silencing the constant murmurs preying upon us. "
56 " Were you afraid?""All the time." Some might think me a coward, but I felt no shame in admitting it. I was not one of those valiant heroes who plunged into danger so fearlessly. I had been terrified of getting hurt, of failure, and most of all - of death. To never see my mother again, or my loved ones. To regret all the things left unsaid or undone. To leave my life... unlived. I had been lauded for my bravery, yet I knew the truth - that I had done these things despite my fear. Because not doing them frightened me more. "
57 " must protect my kingdom and family, however I can. I cannot willfully do anything which might endanger them. I cannot be selfish, no matter how much I want to be. "
58 " ... my heart racing like I had run a long way. But I had learned such feelings were dangerous and the wounds they could inflict more painful than those of a blade "
59 " Because there aren’t many like you. Captain Wenzhi holds you in high esteem. You must be exceptionally skilled to be ranked the First Archer. Yet you look like no warrior I’ve ever encountered. "
60 " Assassins masquerading as dancers with poisoned needles to kill our king. What other despicable tactics has Governor Renyu stooped to?” Prince Yanxi asked scathingly. “All tactics are honorable when dealing with a dragon-killer,” the merman spat. "