“ In my life, I've been both the besieged and the besieged, and I know damned well which I prefer! Sharon Kay Penman
“ Richard knew, of course, that his was thought to be an unlucky title; only twice before had a Richard ruled England, and both met violent ends. Sharon Kay Penman
“ During the day, memories could be held at bay, but at night, dreams became the devil's own accomplices. Sharon Kay Penman
“ I am not going to let him win, Guillaume. Not this time. I could not keep him from making my mother pay the price for our failed rebellion. Fifteen years she has been his prisoner, fifteen years! And… Sharon Kay Penman
“ Francis stared down at the Duchess of York's letter. He swallowed, then read aloud in a husky voice, It was showed by John Sponer that King Richard, late mercifully reigning upon us, was through great… Sharon Kay Penman
“ What an unfair advantage the dead had over the living, for there could be no rebuttal, no denial, nothing but the accusing silence of the grave. Sharon Kay Penman
“ Richard, might I ask you something? We've talked tonight of what you must do, of what you can do, of what you ought to do.But we've said nothing of what you want to do.Richard, do you want to be King?… Sharon Kay Penman
“ Edward was now expressing himself on the subject of the French King, drawing upon a vocabulary that a Southwark brothel-keeper might envy. Some of what he was saying was anatomically impossible, much… Sharon Kay Penman
“ Outside, the sky was clear, stars gleaming in its ebony vastness like celestial fireflies. It was bitterly cold, and Hywel's every breath trailed after him in pale puffs of smoke. The glazed snow crac… Sharon Kay Penman
“ He'd never seen one so vibrant, though, or so vividly compelling... those glowing green eyes sparkling with sunlight and curiosity and silent laughter, and when she glanced in Henry's direction, she h… Sharon Kay Penman
“ Well, dearest, what would you tell a farmer who had an over-abundant harvest? To plant less, of course!...I am not complaining about the frequency of the planting, she said. I’d just rather not reap a… Sharon Kay Penman
“ …a cynic who was still saddened whenever his jaundiced view of mankind was confirmed... Sharon Kay Penman
“ I should like to freeze in time all those I do love, keep them somehow safe from the ravages of the passing years...Rather like flowers pressed between the pages of a book! Sharon Kay Penman
“ The great hall was shimmering in light, sun streaming from the open windows, and ablaze with colour, the walls decorated with embroidered hangings in rich shades of gold and crimson. New rushes had be… Sharon Kay Penman
