The Prince

It's amazing how photography can capture just a split second of something exquisite.

If she were (looking into my eyes), she’d have seen how absolutely floored I was the first time I finally, truly saw her. The clouds moved at just the right moment, fully lighting her face by the moon. She was dazzlingly beautiful. Underneath thick lashes were eyes blue as ice, something cool to balance out the flames in her hair. I felt a strange flutter in my chest, like the glow of a fireplace or the warmth of the afternoon. It stayed there for a moment, playing with my pulse.

You’re the only person who really knows me. The only person I feel I truly know myself.” “Knowledge isn’t love,” I contradicted.

She had brillant red hair, like honey and roses and the sun all together.

All I knew was, even if she wasn't mine, I wanted to leave her with a smile.

Maxon, this is my gift to you. I promise I will make every effort to see these girls through your eyes. Not the eyes of a queen, or the eyes of your mother, but yours. Even if the girl you choose is of a very low caste, even if others think she has no value, I will always listen to your reasons for wanting her. And I will do my best to support your choice.

And I know I’m about to play second fiddle to another woman, as I should. But my love for you will never change, Maxon.

It’s old advice, but it’s good: be yourself.

You’re an idiot, Maxon Schreave. Your parents have completely sabotaged you. You could have a thousand girls set before you, and it wouldn’t matter. You’re too stupid to see love when it stands right in front of you.

Every girl will come with pros and cons. Some people will choose to focus on the worst in some of your options and the best in others, and it will make no sense to you why they seem so narrow minded. But I’m here for you, whatever your choice.

I've tried to make choices. You don't really trust me to.

if you love me, love me now. dont hold yourself so badly until tears starts to mean nothing

Despite the knowledge that her affections were unattainable, I couldn't help but be drawn to try.

Eres un idiota, Maxon Schreave. Tus padres te sabotearon por completo. Podrías tener cientos de chicas delante de ti, y eso no importaría. Eres demasiado estúpido para reconocer el amor aun cuando se encuentra delante de ti.

Because I could do this. I could do it well. I had to. I had to prove, finally, that I could lead, make decisions.

I wanted to make a good first impression with these girls—and a good second impression with one—and apparently I was convinced this all hung on picking out the right tie. I sighed. These girls were already turning me into a puddle of stupid.

America, is it?” I joked as she approached. “Yes, it is. And I know I’ve heard your name before, but could you remind me?

I could welcome someone else into my world, and it would be better than anything I'd ever had before because . . . because she would be mine. And I would be hers. We would be there for each other. She would be what my mother was to my father: a source of comfort, the calm that grounded him. And I would be her guide, her protector.

Damn it. I had to let her stay.

Oh, please don’t cry!” I begged in a hushed voice. “I never know what to do when women cry!

There was something about her.. Even the way she didn't like me drew me in, and I couldn't help but smile.

And then there was America, her mouth stuffed with a strawberry tart, her eyes rolling like she was in heaven. I stifled a laugh, and suddenly I had a plan.

You're too stupid to see love when it stands right in front of you.