The Rose Society Quotes

“Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, so she destroyed them all.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“We are drawn to stories,” he says in a soft voice, “and every scar carries one.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“Why feel guilty for something that isn't your fault?
Because I loved him. And now he is gone.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“None of it was your fault, the whispers in my head argue. You didn't kill him, after all -- it was not your blade that ended his life. So why are you the one cast out? You didn't have to return to the Daggers -- you didn't need to help them rescue Raffaele. And still they turned on you. Why does everyone forget your good intentions, Adelina?”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“For a fleeting moment, I imagine that if I were queen, I could make the act of hurting malfettos a crime. I could execute this boy's pursuers with a single command.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“In this moment, I am a god.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“They tell me that you have been crying in your sleep. Do not grieve our separation, my love, for our reunion will come just as swiftly."

-Letter from unknown prisoner, convicted of treason, to fiancee”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“I'm thinking about Enzo, the way he used to be. The hard look in his eyes as he trained me, and then the vulnerability I saw in him whenever we were alone. I don't need to push Sergio to know that Raffaele had asked Enzo to kill him, just as he did to me. Enzo had spared us both. He had been such a strong leader, such a natural crown prince. He would have been an admirable king.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society

“I pledge myself to the Rose Society until the end of my days, to use my eyes to see all that happens, my tongue to woo others to our side, my ears to to hear every secret, my hands to crush my enemies. I will do everything in my power to destroy all who stand in my way.

—The Rose Society Official Initiation Pledge, by Adelina Amouteru”
― Marie Lu, The Young Elites

“Enzo's eyes flick back to me. He does not ask if I will be okay. His silent approval makes me stand taller.”
― Marie Lu, The Rose Society