CC ♡ [Newt's version] (semi-active)

“The three of them had snuck out of the palace one night, having overheard a diplomat from Nerine talking about visiting a Red House before traveling back to his kingdom. In their innocence, they’d assumed he’d meant a literal red-colored house, and so they’d followed him to the docks. What they’d seen—”
― Lynette Noni, The Gilded Cage

“Why didn’t you tell me your brother looked like that?” Caldon asked quietly, bringing up the rear of the group with Kiva. “Like what?” she murmured distractedly. “What do you mean, ‘like what’?” Caldon said, exasperated. “Like that.” He waved a hand toward Tor’s strong back. “He’s delicious.” That was enough to shock Kiva from her fears, and she whipped her head toward the prince. “I thought you were into girls?” Caldon pulled a face. “Firstly,” he said, “women. I’m into women—not girls. There’s a difference.” Kiva raised her hands in apology. “All right, sorry.” “And secondly,” Caldon said with strained patience, “I’m attracted to who I’m attracted to. And right now, there is nothing about that”—he dipped his chin toward Torell—“that isn’t attractive.” Somewhat woefully, he added, “I can’t believe you kept him a secret.”
― Lynette Noni, The Gilded Cage

“Next time I checked on him, he’d got over the fever on his own and was a good deal more humble.” Conner looked at me again. “He doesn’t look so humble now.” “I got over that too,” I said.”
― Jennifer A. Nielsen, The False Prince

“Should I, um . . .” Kiva waved to her outfit, fearing her clothes were too casual for dinner with the royal family. Jaren’s eyes didn’t wander from her face, his tone soft as he said, “You’re perfect, just as you are.”
― Lynette Noni, The Gilded Cage