A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 13: Feyre
by Maas, Sarah J.Feyre enters the Wolf’s Den tavern to confront her sister Nesta, who is seated with three wealthy High Fae males. The chapter opens with Feyre reflecting on Nesta’s solitary habits and her tendency to bring companions home, though she avoids asking for details. Nesta’s physical appearance is striking—her sharp features and regal bearing contrast with the dingy tavern, earning her the mental moniker “a queen without a throne.” Despite the lively atmosphere, Nesta’s cold demeanor and the lingering trauma from the war with Hybern cast a shadow over the scene.
The interaction between the sisters is tense, with Nesta barely acknowledging Feyre’s presence. The males at the table, however, show deference to Feyre, recognizing her status as High Lady. Rhysand’s telepathic commentary adds a layer of humor and intimacy, contrasting with the strained sibling dynamic. Feyre dismisses Nesta’s companions to speak privately, but Nesta remains aloof, her indifference a clear barrier. The power struggle between them is palpable, with Feyre determined to break through Nesta’s icy facade.
Feyre confronts Nesta about skipping a family dinner with Elain, highlighting Elain’s discomfort in such settings. Nesta deflects with sarcasm, implying that Elain’s struggles are a consequence of Feyre’s choices. The unspoken accusation—that Feyre’s actions have irrevocably changed their lives—hangs heavily between them. Nesta’s refusal to engage or compromise underscores her emotional withdrawal, while Feyre’s frustration grows. The chapter captures the sisters’ fractured relationship, with Nesta’s trauma and resentment manifesting as detachment.
The standoff between Feyre and Nesta reveals deeper tensions, including Nesta’s unresolved grief and Feyre’s guilt over their shared past. Nesta’s sharp retorts and Feyre’s restrained responses reflect their conflicting coping mechanisms. The chapter ends on an unresolved note, emphasizing the emotional distance between them. Through vivid imagery and sharp dialogue, the scene underscores the complexities of family bonds strained by trauma and transformation.
FAQs
1. How does the chapter portray the current relationship between Feyre and Nesta, and what key details illustrate this dynamic?
Answer:
The chapter reveals a strained and distant relationship between Feyre and Nesta, marked by tension and unspoken grievances. Feyre observes Nesta’s physical deterioration (“Every ounce of weight that Elain had gained it seemed Nesta had lost”) and her self-destructive behavior, such as drinking with strangers and avoiding family gatherings. Their interaction is cold and guarded—Nesta responds with “icy, flat words” and deliberate indifference when Feyre confronts her. The sisters engage in a silent power struggle, both refusing to back down during their conversation. The chapter also hints at unresolved trauma from the war, as Feyre notes the “specter of that day against Hybern looming behind her,” suggesting Nesta’s behavior stems from deeper emotional wounds.2. Analyze the significance of the tavern setting and how it reflects Nesta’s character arc in this chapter.
Answer:
The Wolf’s Den tavern symbolizes Nesta’s rejection of her former life and her deliberate descent into a rougher, more anonymous existence. Despite being High Fae nobility, she chooses a “reeking, hot tavern that had seen better years,” contrasting with the elegance of her previous lifestyle. The setting underscores her isolation and self-imposed exile from her family and status. Feyre’s observation that Nesta appears as “a queen without a throne” highlights her regal bearing amid the squalor, emphasizing her internal conflict—she retains her pride but refuses to reclaim her place in society. The tavern also serves as a space where Nesta exerts control (e.g., beating the males at cards) while avoiding emotional vulnerability, reinforcing her defensive coping mechanisms.3. How does Rhysand’s presence through the mating bond contribute to Feyre’s perspective in this scene?
Answer:
Rhysand’s telepathic commentary provides both emotional support and a counterbalance to Feyre’s tension with Nesta. His playful remarks (“Mind your own business” and “You love it”) lighten the mood, showcasing their intimate bond and offering Feyre a mental refuge from the confrontation. However, his observations also serve a practical purpose—he alerts Feyre to Nesta’s card-playing prowess, demonstrating his protective surveillance. Their exchange reveals Feyre’s dual role: she is both a concerned sister and a High Lady who must navigate public perception (e.g., avoiding insults to the tavern patrons). Rhys’s presence underscores the contrast between Feyre’s healthy relationship and Nesta’s isolation, reinforcing the chapter’s themes of connection versus alienation.4. What does Nesta’s behavior toward Elain reveal about her unresolved guilt or trauma?
Answer:
Nesta’s refusal to attend Elain’s dinner and her dismissive remark (“She could have eaten with me here”) mask deeper guilt about their shared trauma. By implying Elain’s discomfort is Feyre’s fault (“you and your court dragged us into this world”), Nesta deflects her own role in their suffering. Her focus on Elain’s lost love of parties (“She didn’t used to be that way”) suggests she mourns the innocence taken from them both, particularly Elain’s vulnerability. Nesta’s insistence on staying in the tavern—a place Elain would hate—hints at self-punishment; she pushes away the sister who represents their pre-war happiness, possibly because she feels unworthy of reconciliation. This avoidance highlights her inability to confront her own pain or accept support.5. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of Nesta’s power and its connection to her emotional state.
Answer:
The chapter subtly hints at Nesta’s latent power (“shining cold and bright in her eyes”) while emphasizing her suppression of it. Feyre notes the absence of her abilities for months, linking this to Nesta’s emotional withdrawal. The description of her stillness (“Still as an animal. Still as death”) mirrors the lethal potential of her magic, suggesting her inner turmoil is intertwined with her power’s dormancy. The Bone Carver’s past allusion to her death-like power contrasts with her current state—rather than wielding it, she channels her energy into destructive habits (drinking, gambling). This implies her power is a manifestation of unresolved trauma; until she faces her emotions, her abilities remain inaccessible, leaving her trapped in a cycle of self-destruction.
Quotes
1. “A queen without a throne. That was what I’d call the painting that swept into my mind.”
This striking metaphor captures Feyre’s perception of Nesta’s regal yet displaced presence in the tavern, highlighting her sister’s unresolved trauma and power after the war. It reflects the chapter’s exploration of Nesta’s psychological state through Feyre’s artistic lens.
2. “Still as an animal. Still as death. I’d once wondered if that was her power. Her curse, granted by the Cauldron.”
This chilling observation reveals Feyre’s growing awareness of Nesta’s latent, dangerous power and the lingering effects of their shared trauma. The quote underscores the chapter’s tension between sisters and foreshadows Nesta’s untapped potential.
3. “Where one goes, the other follows.”
Nesta’s biting remark about Feyre and Rhysand’s mating bond serves as both a critique of their codependency and a contrast to her own isolation. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of relationships and Nesta’s defensive distancing from family.
4. “But you and your court dragged us into this world. Took that joy away from her.”
Though left unspoken, this implied accusation reveals Nesta’s lingering resentment about their forced transition into the Fae world. It represents the core conflict between the sisters and Nesta’s unresolved anger about their transformed lives.