Holly Black

“Time to change partners,” a voice says, and I look to see that it’s the worst person possible: Cardan. “Oh,” he says to Locke. “Did I steal your line?”

“Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting, and I can’t stop.”

Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting, and I can’t stop.”

expect her to say The Liar. She gives me a tricksy grin, full of secrets. “What else? The Queen.”

Well?” I say, lifting the crossbow again, glad to have a reason to reassert my position as the person in charge. “Tell me!”

He leans in and closes his eyes. “Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting, and I can’t stop.”

I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not, but I guess I’ll take it.

I do not understand why he likes me, but it is exciting to be liked.

A dead woman living. A child born from nothing.”

“Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting, and I can’t stop.”
I am shocked into silence.

You really do want me,” I say, close enough to feel the warmth of his breath as it hitches. “And you hate it.” I change the angle of the knife, turning it so it’s against his neck. He doesn’t look nearly as alarmed by that as I might expect.

Not nearly as alarmed as when I bring my mouth to his.