The Priory of the Orange Tree
Fifty-Three
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Ead preparing for the Feast of High Winter at Ascalon Palace, dressed in an elegant gown as she contemplates her precarious position at court. Having accepted a title from Queen Sabran, she fears being perceived as a traitor by her sisters, yet sees no alternative for survival. Margret Beck arrives, revealing her new role as Lady of the Bedchamber and offering companionship. Their conversation highlights Margret’s acceptance of Ead’s true identity as a witch, showcasing her open-mindedness and loyalty despite societal prejudices.
As Ead and Margret enter the Banqueting House, the court’s reaction to Ead’s presence is palpable, with silence and stares marking her as an outsider. Seated at the high table—a first for Ead—she joins Loth and Margret in hushed discussion. Loth shares his disturbing findings about Lady Crest, who conspired against Queen Rosarian and later Sabran, driven by twisted piety and a desire for control. Crest’s actions, including arranging assassinations and manipulating Sabran’s reign, reveal her as a power-hungry fanatic willing to betray the monarchy.
The group grapples with Crest’s motivations, including her alliance with King Sigoso and her role in Lievelyn’s murder. Loth explains how Crest viewed Lievelyn as a corrupting influence on Sabran, leading her to eliminate him once he served his purpose. The revelation that Sabran might not be of Berethnet lineage adds another layer of tension, threatening the throne’s legitimacy. Ead reflects on how religious fervor can justify atrocities, drawing parallels to her past experiences with fanaticism.
The chapter culminates with Queen Sabran’s dramatic entrance, radiating solitary grandeur as the court rises in reverence. Her unadorned appearance contrasts with the opulence around her, symbolizing her isolation and resilience. The scene underscores the weight of the secrets uncovered and the impending confrontation with Crest, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in Sabran’s reign. The chapter masterfully blends political intrigue, personal loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
FAQs
1. How does Ead’s internal conflict about her identity manifest in this chapter, and what does Margret’s reaction reveal about their friendship?
Answer:
Ead struggles with her dual identity as both a courtier (Ead Duryan) and a witch (Eadaz), feeling like a traitor to her sisters for accepting a title from the Queen of Inys. This is evident when she reflects on her “old name” and “false name” being announced at the feast. Margret’s unconditional acceptance—asking if she prefers to be called Eadaz and declaring her open-mindedness—shows the depth of their friendship. Margret prioritizes their bond over societal prejudices, demonstrating loyalty and courage by publicly supporting Ead despite the court’s judgmental stares.2. Analyze the significance of Roslain Crest’s motivations and actions. What does her character reveal about power and religious extremism?
Answer:
Roslain Crest embodies how religious extremism can corrupt power. She justified murdering Queen Rosarian and manipulating Sabran by twisting piety into a tool for control, believing she was “judge of queens.” Her actions—colluding with King Sigoso, orchestrating attacks, and killing Lievelyn—reveal a fanatical need to purge “unworthiness” from the throne. Loth notes her “desperation” to confess, suggesting guilt or pride in her deeds. Crest’s arc critiques how dogma can mask tyranny, as she weaponized faith to eliminate those who challenged her vision of purity.3. How does the setting of the Feast of High Winter contrast with the political tensions unfolding beneath the surface?
Answer:
The feast’s opulence (silks, pearls, candlelight) and ceremonial grandeur (stewards announcing guests, the queen’s entrance) mask a court in crisis. The “silence” when Ead enters and Loth’s whispered revelations about Crest’s crimes create dramatic irony—the celebration’s veneer clashes with the truth of betrayal and murder. Sabran’s solitary appearance, devoid of her usual entourage, mirrors her isolation as she unknowingly faces threats from within. The snow-covered palace becomes a metaphor for suppressed secrets now coming to light.4. What thematic role does lineage play in this chapter, particularly regarding Sabran’s parentage and Crest’s obsession with bloodlines?
Answer:
Lineage drives the chapter’s central conflict. Crest’s fixation on “tainted seed” leads her to question Sabran’s legitimacy (possibly being Gian Harlowe’s daughter) and justify her schemes. This mirrors the broader Inysh obsession with the Berethnet bloodline’s purity. Sabran’s potential non-noble parentage undermines the kingdom’s foundational myths, making Crest’s actions a perverse attempt to “cleanse” the throne. The theme critiques how hereditary power systems invite manipulation, as Crest uses genealogy as both weapon and moral shield.5. How does Loth’s character development reflect the chapter’s exploration of truth and disillusionment?
Answer:
Loth’s growth is marked by his reluctant acceptance of courtly artifice’s darkness. He struggles to reconcile Crest’s crimes with his former idealism, noting how “the artfully placed leaves had blown away, revealing the shining jaws of the trap.” His meticulous recounting of her confession shows his shift from courtier to truth-seeker. Yet his “grim satisfaction” at having evidence against Crest reveals lingering loyalty to justice. His arc mirrors the chapter’s larger tension between idealized traditions and harsh realities.
Quotes
1. “If you are a witch, then perhaps witches are not so wicked after all.”
Margret Beck demonstrates her open-mindedness and loyalty to Ead, challenging societal prejudices. This quote represents a key theme of questioning dogma and shows the deepening friendship between the characters.
2. “Piety can turn the power-hungry into monsters. They can twist any teaching to justify their actions.”
Ead’s insightful observation about religious extremism and corruption. This serves as both commentary on Lady Crest’s actions and a broader philosophical point about how faith can be weaponized.
3. “Another secret to be kept. Another crack in the marble throne.”
This poignant metaphor captures the crumbling foundations of the Berethnet dynasty. The revelation about Sabran’s possible true parentage threatens to destabilize the entire monarchy’s legitimacy.
4. “She had seen it before. Mita had believed she was serving the Mother when she executed Zāla.”
Ead draws parallels between current events and her past experiences, showing how cycles of religious extremism repeat across cultures. This adds depth to the novel’s exploration of fanaticism.
5. “Ead had never seen her look so splendidly alone.”
This striking description of Queen Sabran’s entrance captures her isolation and the weight of her position. The imagery reflects both her physical solitude and the emotional burden of recent revelations about her lineage.