The Hundredth Queen

What is courage without fear?

But what is freedom without peace of mind?

Anything can be changed by those who have the courage to blaze their own path.

Let the sky lead me, the land ground me, the fire cleanse me, and the water feed me.

Sometimes it takes more strength to step back than forward.

I do not understand why the gods have made it so that every woman’s lot in life is to owe her security to a man. Maybe if it were otherwise, we would not put up with them.

Humility is the most undervalued godly virtue.

I would rather stay in Samiya and serve the gods than leave and serve a man.

The rajah draws the attention of every woman in the hall, but he comes to me. “You’re more beautiful every day, love.” He kisses my cheek, souring my stomach. Even at this early hour, he smells of apong and another woman’s perfume. Tarek rubs a circle on my hip. “I’m a patient man, but I don’t know if I can wait until our wedding night.” I lower my eyes in disgust. I can wait a thousand lives.

His use of “must” tugs my chin sideways.

Where is the line between the gods' will and ours?

Sky in our lungs, land beneath our feet, fire in our souls, and water in our blood.

Thank the gods for crunchy food. “I don’t see how we are expected to be confined in this . . .” Chew. Chew. Chew. “The blanket is hardly big enough to cover my . . .” Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Before I take a step, someone starts to clap. Without a word, every person in the courtyard gazes up at the north tower scraping the gray sky. The applause stops, and a deep, firm voice shouts from above, “Let her stay.” Barbs of terror dig under my skin. The courtyard goes as still as a sky burial. This is the first time many of these girls have heard a man speak.

The linens smell of sunshine

They are the rarest bhutas, and their powers are the most crucial to control and contain.

Snowy mountains tear into the ashen sky, their jagged peaks pearly, like wolverine fangs. Cold winds sting my bare cheeks and exposed hands. The frosty temple courtyard is barren of the other daughters and sisters who reside here. Only my best friend is with me.

Snowflakes stick to his sooty eyelashes, his eyes warm brown. I am no more afraid of him than I was in the lower level of the temple. He radiates warmth and safety, riveting me with the trust he engenders. I want to tuck myself against his tall, muscled form and curl into his body heat, like a rabbit in a burrow. My cheeks flame in embarrassment. I should not feel this way. I did not react so favorably to the rajah. His touch, his voice, and his smell were repulsive. But every nerve ending in my body comes alive near Captain Naik. Beside him, my slenderness feels delicate, curvy, and even womanly.

Holding a grudge is one of the few choices I have.

He, Yatin, and I trained together.

I can wait a thousand lives.

male subject I have ever sketched.

sky-god. Anu is the most prominent

He is more fascinating than the chapel murals of the sky-god, Anu, and his son, Enlil, the fire-god.

That may be so, but peace is a choice, Kali. A decision not to be at odds with the world and to accept the gods’ path for you. You can attain no higher peace of mind than doing what the gods would have you do.

In those fourteen days, Natesa will say or do something more offensive. That is a guarantee.

This isn’t paradise, Kalinda. War is real, and peace comes at a cost.” “Then why don’t I have peace? I have paid more than my share.” His gaze softens, but I do not want his pity.

You must believe you can, or you have already lost.

Hatred is sustenance for survival.