Queen Of Chaos

Xaden didn’t just marry Violet so Tyrrendor would have a ruler after he was gone. He didn’t just do it so that she could protect Tyrrendor.

He married Violet so the title would protect her. He laid it out plainly when they were in Deverelli and he called her his consort—“the designation gives you the protection and privileges of my title”. The easiest way to kill venin-Xaden would be to kill Violet and hope that the bond does the job for them, but now that she’s Duchess of Tyrrendor? With the entire army of the largest province in Navarre under her command? And all the wealth and power held by the Riorson family? The Navarrian command can’t touch her.

Because Xaden used Tyrrendor to protect Violet, not the other way around.

Daphne and Simon just sort of slowly come together until Daphne tentatively, tenderly moves her hand into his and he lets her. She chips away at his wall a little more and he allows it, even participates in it, like he knows it's what he needs.

With Kate and Anthony we don't actually get the holding part. Their story is all about wanting but not having, reaching but not meeting. It's painful to watch.

And with Colin and Penelope, we see them bump and fumble their way together until they both commit to it with equal strength and certainty, holding each other steady. A shaky start that leads to perfect harmony.

"I'm sorry!" Varrish's voice breaks

"Apologize to the one Andarna deemed worthy of her bond."

......

"On your knees"

Any cadet ever to Dain Aetos: "With all due respect-"

Dain, internally: Oh my God, it's finally happening!!

Cadet: "- which is none-"

The way he fit right in with her, the banter, the familiarity, the love they had for each other, the loyalty that went both ways from the get-go, the calmness he brought to her stormy thoughts, the way he was the reason Violet finally manifested her signet, how Violet risked everyone knowing about Andarna’s gift to save him, how he risked everything to save her, “it’s been my honor”, how she will forever love him, and him her, the fondness and bitterness you can feel whenever Violet so much as thinks of him… soulmatism 101.