Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 27
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 27, Celaena begins her day alone, as Chaol has already left for his duties as Captain of the Guard. She reflects on her weariness and indulges in daydreams of peaceful, uninterrupted time with him. After a brief breakfast, she receives a coded list from Archer, detailing men to be hunted, though she remains wary of betrayal. Her interactions with Nehemia are strained, as she chooses to distance herself until tempers cool, halting her plans to utilize Wyrdmarks for a secret mission. The chapter underscores her cautious approach amidst ongoing political and personal tensions, highlighting her strategic mindset and emotional vulnerability.
Later, Celaena spends her day tracking the individuals on Archer’s list in Rifthold, eager to share her findings with Chaol. However, he fails to join her for dinner, prompting her to seek him out in his chambers. Her concern deepens as she finds a sealed note instead—an ominous message from her captors threatening Chaol’s life unless she meets them at a designated warehouse in the slums. The note ignites a fierce, icy rage within her, a “killing calm” that signals her readiness for vengeance. Her resolve hardens, revealing her determination to confront her enemies and rescue Chaol at any cost, emphasizing her lethal capabilities when pushed to the edge.
Meanwhile, Chaol’s situation is bleak, as he is chained and restrained by masked captors in a clandestine location. He is subjected to threats and minimal treatment, with no clear understanding of who has captured him or their motives. His injuries suggest a recent brutal encounter, and he deduces that his captors are waiting for some form of ransom or political leverage. Despite the pain and confusion, he remains alert, contemplating the possibility of a political rebellion or rebellion-related kidnapping. His reflections reveal his resilience and strategic thinking, even in captivity, as he prepares for a potential confrontation and hopes for a rescue.
The chapter culminates with Chaol’s realization that his captors anticipate Celaena’s arrival, and he fears the consequences if she is harmed. As he lies weakened, he warns his captors that any harm to her will provoke his wrath, revealing his protective instincts and unwavering loyalty. The chapter’s tension is heightened by the looming threat of violence and the uncertainty of their fate. It underscores the dangerous political landscape they navigate, setting the stage for a confrontation where personal loyalties and survival instincts collide, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, vengeance, and resilience.
FAQs
1. What does Celaena’s reaction to Chaol’s absence and the note she finds reveal about her emotional state and her relationship with him?
Answer:
Celaena’s reaction to discovering Chaol’s absence and the threatening note underscores her deep concern and the intensity of her feelings for him. Her initial relief that he’s not in bed suggests she’s attuned to his presence and values their connection. The fact that she immediately rushes to his rooms upon not finding him indicates her worry and possibly her dependence on him for emotional support. The note, which is a direct threat to Chaol’s life, triggers a fierce protective instinct in her, revealing her vulnerability despite her tough exterior. Her willingness to confront danger to save him also highlights the importance of their relationship and her determination to protect those she cares about, even at great personal risk.2. How does the chapter illustrate Celaena’s internal conflict and her resolve in the face of danger?
Answer:
Throughout the chapter, Celaena’s internal conflict is evident in her struggle between her desire for normalcy and her awareness of the dangerous reality she faces. Her daydreams about peaceful, uninterrupted days contrast sharply with the urgent, life-threatening situation she encounters when she finds the note. The chapter vividly depicts her transformation from a woman craving rest to someone consumed by rage and determination when she realizes Chaol has been kidnapped. Her mental shift into a “killing calm,” as she calls it, demonstrates her capacity for intense focus and resolve. She recognizes the threat and the stakes—if they want her, they will get her—and she prepares herself for confrontation, illustrating her resilience and unwavering resolve to fight back against those who threaten her loved ones.3. What can be inferred about the antagonists’ intentions and their understanding of Celaena based on the note and her response?
Answer:
The antagonists’ note indicates they have taken Chaol hostage to manipulate Celaena, knowing her reputation as a deadly assassin. The message, “WE HAVE THE CAPTAIN,” and the warning to bring no one suggest they are aware of her skills and her protective instincts, aiming to lure her into their trap. Their choice of a warehouse in the slums as the meeting point implies a desire for secrecy and danger, as well as a calculated attempt to challenge her directly. Celaena’s response—her icy rage and her plan for vengeance—shows she recognizes the threat and is prepared to confront it head-on. The antagonists seem to understand that she is formidable, and they are testing her limits, knowing that her wrath can be unleashed if pushed too far.4. How does the chapter deepen the reader’s understanding of Chaol’s situation, and what themes does this evoke?
Answer:
The chapter provides a visceral portrayal of Chaol’s captivity, emphasizing his physical suffering, confusion, and the uncertainty of his situation. The description of his restraints, the masked captors, and his limited movements evoke themes of vulnerability and helplessness. His reflections on the possibility of ransom and his suspicion of political motives introduce themes of intrigue, betrayal, and the peril faced by those caught in larger conflicts. The mention of “she,” who will show up by dawn, and Chaol’s concern for Celaena, highlight themes of loyalty and love amid chaos. His situation underscores the danger that surrounds him and the broader political and personal stakes, deepening the reader’s understanding of the peril and the emotional toll on those involved.5. In what ways does this chapter set the stage for future conflicts, and how might Celaena’s actions influence the story’s progression?
Answer:
This chapter establishes an imminent confrontation by revealing that Chaol has been kidnapped and that Celaena is targeted for her known strength and reputation. The threat and her immediate response of rage and determination foreshadow a pivotal moment where she will likely confront her enemies directly. Her decision to pursue the kidnappers, driven by her protective instincts and her desire for justice, sets the stage for future action and conflict. Additionally, her resolve hints at her growing readiness to embrace her darker, more lethal side if necessary. Celaena’s actions—her willingness to risk everything—will likely propel the plot toward a climax involving rescue, revenge, and political intrigue, influencing her character development and the overarching narrative trajectory.
Quotes
1. “Every one of the restraints she’d locked into place after she’d rampaged through Endovier snapped free.”
This quote underscores Celaena’s rising fury and the unleashing of her inner strength, marking a pivotal moment where her controlled rage turns into a lethal resolve. It reflects her mental state and foreshadows her impending action against her enemies.
2. “If they wanted Adarlan’s Assassin, they’d get her. And Wyrd help them when she arrived.”
This statement captures Celaena’s fierce determination and the deadly reputation she embodies. It emphasizes her readiness for retribution and her transformation into a force to be reckoned with, setting the tone for her impending confrontation.
3. “She had until dawn. She’ll show up.”
This chilling line reveals the captors’ confidence in Celaena’s sense of loyalty and her relentless nature. It also hints at the looming threat and the high stakes involved, heightening the tension of the chapter’s climax.
4. “She reached his rooms, part of her still praying that she was just being paranoid, that he’d be sleeping in the bed, that she could curl up with him and make love to him and hold him through the night.”
This quote offers a rare glimpse into Celaena’s vulnerability and her longing for normalcy and intimacy amidst chaos. It humanizes her character, contrasting her fierce exterior with her deep emotional needs.
5. “From what he could tell, he had a split lip and would have some bruises on his face and ribs. They hadn’t asked questions before unleashing two of their men on him, though he hadn’t been entirely cooperative once he’d awoken and found himself here.”
This passage provides insight into Chaol’s physical state and the brutality of his captors, highlighting the danger he faces and setting up the tension of his captivity and the uncertain future.