the impressions the prince got were never coherent thoughts , more like jumbled sensory perceptions , so when the prince delved into tomaz , flashes of red crossed his vision the sound of steel ringing together determination and a profound , serene patience a percussive , insistent beat smells of mint and lavender the feel of rough leather he moved to the girl swirls of green and silver light the sound of steel cutting silk the silent second after a symphony ends the smell of newly trodden dust mixed with fresh honey old pain grim laughter a quiet , secret sense of wonder - with a significant effort of will , the prince pulled back , managing to remain calm and to keep his breathing soft and quiet .