“Is that going to be a problem?” said Ivan. “Definitely. I just don’t know what kind, yet. Or whose.” - Lois McMaster Bujold

Suicidal glory is the luxury of the irresponsible.

“Do you fear the gods will destroy you?”
That disturbing smile again. “That is not a fear. That is a prayer.”
“Or…do you fear their punishment? That they would plunge your soul into some eternal torment?”
Wencel leaned forward, up on his toes. “That,” he breathed in Ingrey’s ear, “would be redundant.”

She made the best of herself through tidiness and health, not by the unearned gift that’s the blessing and curse of those born beautiful.