The Priory of the Orange Tree
Thirty
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Truyde utt Zeedeur imprisoned in the Dearn Tower, having confessed to orchestrating a staged attack during the royal visit. Her plan was to convince Queen Sabran of imminent danger from Yscalin and the Nameless One, hoping to push her toward negotiations with the East. However, the scheme backfired when genuine enemies of the House of Berethnet infiltrated the performance, resulting in the murder of Lievelyn and several others. Truyde’s intentions, though well-meaning, led to unintended bloodshed and chaos.
Meanwhile, Ead reflects on the aftermath of the ambush, particularly her own involvement in the violence. Tharian Lintley, who witnessed her combat skills, has kept silent, but Ead remains wary. The court is in mourning, with Lievelyn lying in state and Sabran secluded in grief. The tension escalates when Margret delivers a cryptic letter from Loth, revealing Kit’s death and warning of danger to Sabran from an unknown “Cupbearer.” The message hints at a deeper conspiracy linked to Queen Rosarian’s death.
Ead and Margret grapple with whether to inform Sabran about Loth’s survival, fearing Combe’s interference. Margret also shares concerns about her father’s deteriorating mental state, adding another layer of personal turmoil. Ead resolves to investigate the Cupbearer threat herself, determined to protect Sabran from further harm. The chapter underscores the pervasive atmosphere of distrust and the weight of hidden agendas within the court.
The final section shifts to Sabran’s fragile condition, suffering from pregnancy-related illness and profound grief. Her emotional state is fragile, and her interactions are strained. When she unexpectedly requests Ead as her bedfellow, it signals a rare moment of vulnerability. Roslain advises Ead on how to care for Sabran during the night, emphasizing the need for constant light. The chapter closes with Ead joining Sabran in the Royal Bedchamber, hinting at the deepening bond between them amid the surrounding dangers.
FAQs
1. What was Truyde utt Zeedeur’s original plan involving the Servants of Verity, and how did it go wrong?
Answer:
Truyde utt Zeedeur conspired with the Servants of Verity, a masterless playing company, to stage an attack during the royal visit. Her intention was to convince Queen Sabran that she faced mortal danger from Yscalin and the Nameless One, thereby pressuring her to open negotiations with the East. However, genuine enemies of the House of Berethnet infiltrated the performance, leading to real violence. Bess Weald, a doomsinger, murdered Lievelyn, and several innocent performers, guards, and others were killed. Truyde’s plan backfired spectacularly, resulting in unintended deaths and her imprisonment.2. Analyze the significance of Loth’s secret letter to Margret. What key revelations does it contain, and why is it dangerous for him to have sent it?
Answer:
Loth’s letter reveals three critical pieces of information: (1) Lord Kitston is dead in Cárscaro, (2) Sabran (referred to as “Snow”) is in danger, and (3) there is a mysterious threat called “the Cupbearer.” The letter is dangerous because it was smuggled past Combe’s surveillance via a playwright, and if discovered, it could reveal Loth’s unauthorized communication and his escape from Cárscaro (evidenced by the Rauca handstamp). The note also hints at a deeper conspiracy connecting Queen Rosarian’s death, Prince Wilstan’s investigation, and the current threats to Sabran.3. How does Ead’s role as a Lady of the Bedchamber become more complicated after the attack, and what risks does she face?
Answer:
Ead’s position becomes precarious because her combat skills were exposed during the attack. Tharian Lintley witnessed her killing four assailants, revealing her trained background, though he hasn’t reported it. Additionally, Sabran herself saw Ead fight. As a Lady of the Bedchamber, Ead is now under closer scrutiny, making it harder to maintain her covert activities. Her vow to protect Sabran from further harm—while avoiding detection—creates tension between her duties and the need to remain inconspicuous.4. What does Sabran’s request for Ead to be her “bedfellow” suggest about their relationship and Sabran’s emotional state after Lievelyn’s death?
Answer:
Sabran’s request signifies both trust in Ead and profound vulnerability. After Lievelyn’s murder, Sabran is deeply traumatized, exhibiting physical symptoms like sickness from pregnancy and emotional withdrawal (speaking curtly, appearing “careworn”). By asking Ead to stay with her at night—a role typically requiring constant light due to her fear of darkness—Sabran reveals her need for comfort and security. This moment marks a shift in their relationship, positioning Ead as both protector and confidante during Sabran’s grief.5. Evaluate the broader political implications of Lievelyn’s death for the Queendom of Inys and its relations with other nations.
Answer:
Lievelyn’s assassination destabilizes Inys’s political landscape. His sister Ermuna is set to inherit his homeland’s throne, potentially altering diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, Sabran’s pregnancy (still secret) becomes even more crucial as the heir to Inys. The murder also exacerbates tensions between Inys and Yscalin, as the attack was framed as Yscalin-inspired. Additionally, the involvement of doomsingers and the mysterious “Cupbearer” suggests internal conspiracies threatening the crown. These events collectively weaken Sabran’s authority and could embolden her enemies, both foreign and domestic.
Quotes
1. “Truyde might not have meant to kill anyone, but her good intentions had been for naught.”
This quote encapsulates the tragic consequences of Truyde’s misguided plot, highlighting how noble intentions can lead to disastrous outcomes when mixed with political intrigue and external manipulation.
2. “Beware the Cupbearer.”
This cryptic warning from Loth’s letter introduces a mysterious threat within the royal court, serving as a pivotal clue that drives Ead’s investigation and foreshadows deeper conspiracies surrounding Queen Sabran’s safety.
3. “She is mourning Lievelyn. Do not give her false hope that her friend will return.”
Ead’s pragmatic advice to Margret reveals both her protective nature toward Sabran and the delicate political balancing act required during this vulnerable period of mourning and pregnancy.
4. “Not on her watch.”
This terse declaration perfectly captures Ead’s fierce determination to protect Sabran, marking a turning point where she fully commits to uncovering the threats against the queen regardless of personal risk.
5. “Sabran will be afraid if she wakes in darkness. I find it easiest to keep a candle burning on the nightstand.”
Roslain’s instruction to Ead provides rare insight into Sabran’s hidden vulnerabilities, contrasting with her public image as a strong monarch and foreshadowing their developing intimate relationship.