He lies to you?" Attolia asked. "Constantly," said Eddis. "He lies to himself. If Eugenides talked in his sleep, he'd lie then, too." Attolia looked … - Megan Whalen Turner

You don't understand your weakness, if you think the greater nations will protect you. We will see how much longer you rule your backwater, Your Majesty. You will soon enough discover the limits of your resources."
"Will I? I think you underestimate me still, Nahuseresh. While we are being forthright with each other, I admit I find it tedious.

"The court is watching," she pointed out.
"I thought you wanted me more exposed to the public eye?" he teased.
"I reverse myself," she said coldly, "and argue for a little circumspection." She tugged at his hand, but he didn't release her. She gave up, unwilling to be seen trying to pull away.
"You don't think I can do it."
She didn't think he could.
"I don't care what they think."
She knew that. It worried her.
"No," said the queen, but she wavered.
He sensed it and smiled. "Am I king?" he asked, irrepressibly.
It was the one argument she was in no position to deny. She wanted him to be king, and he was resisting it with all his will.

Eschewing ceremony, Eugenides said, "You shot their ambassador?"
"You gave me the gun," protested Sounis.
"I didn't mean for you to shoot an ambassador with it!" Eugenides told him.
"Oh, how our carefully laid plans go astray," murmured the magus.
"You shut up!" said Gen, laughing.