"Dealing with men is like juggling hot coals. They're fairly harmless if you take precautions, but by Allah, they can burn you if you don't pay attention."
Chap. 1, p. 27

"I loathe the jewels. But diamonds mean power and without power I'm without worth."
Chap. 5, p. 71

"The Peacock Throne still glittered, but the man atop it did not."
Chap. 6, p. 81

"I'll need your help. Enemies will attack my plans, my methods and my costs. Nothing will happen without a friend I can trust."
"I can be that friend."
Chap. 7, p. 96

"What can I say other than he was one of those rare people who made everyone around him feel better?"
Chap. 8, p. 117

"Never deny yourself love, my child. For to deny love is to deny God's greatest gift. And who are we to deny God?"
Chap. 9, p. 126

"She was so strong, so certain of the paths before her. My...