a duck

“If I had known, do you think I should have let her get away with this mad plan? That I should have let her rob me of my child? No, I should have taken you myself and hidden with you in some far-off land and never seen her again rather than agree to such an unnatural scheme”
― Mary Hoffman, City of Masks

“My guard will run you through if he catches you looking at my face," said Arianna.
"I don't think so. I think it might be treason to kill a duke," said Luciano.
"But you're not a duke," said Arianna.
"I will be if you marry me," said Luciano.
"Yes, you would be," said Arianna.
"Would?"
"If you are asking me."
"I'm asking."
"And if I accepted."
"Do you?"
"I do. With all my heart.”
― Mary Hoffman, City of Flowers

“I hardly think a girl is much of a threat. I presume you searched her for weapons? But if she attempts to suffocate me with her straw mattress, I promise to call out for help.”
― Mary Hoffman, City of Masks

“I often think how unadventurous my life must seem from the outside, though I do like my job.”
― Mary Hoffman, City of Flowers