A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 23: Rhysand
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Rhysand reflecting on the profound emotional and physical connection he shares with Feyre, emphasizing how their intimacy has left him utterly devoted to her. He cherishes the memory of her joy upon seeing the riverfront estate he gifted her, a stark contrast to the somber task that brings him to Tamlin’s decaying manor. Upon arriving, Rhysand senses Tamlin’s presence in the kitchen, where he finds the Spring High Lord in a state of despair, staring at a dead elk. The scene is grim, with blood pooling on the floor, symbolizing Tamlin’s emotional and physical deterioration.
Rhysand attempts to engage Tamlin, noting the eerie silence and the High Lord’s lack of response. He mentions his arrangement with Varian to send Summer Court soldiers to Spring’s border, a gesture of uneasy alliance. Tamlin’s eventual question—whether Feyre will forgive him—reveals his guilt and brokenness. Rhysand’s internal conflict is palpable; he harbors deep resentment for Tamlin’s past actions, particularly the harm done to his family, yet he recognizes the necessity of cooperation in their post-war world. The tension between personal vendetta and political pragmatism underscores their interaction.
The dialogue delves into themes of forgiveness and redemption, with Tamlin questioning whether he deserves absolution. Rhysand’s blunt response—that an apology would never suffice—highlights the irreparable damage between them. Despite this, Rhysand’s actions hint at a reluctant compassion. He uses his magic to prepare the elk for cooking, urging Tamlin to eat and survive, not out of kindness but out of necessity. This moment reflects Rhysand’s pragmatic understanding that Tamlin’s leadership is still needed, even if their personal wounds remain unhealed.
The chapter closes with Rhysand departing, leaving Tamlin to his solitude. His final act—preparing food for Tamlin—is a paradoxical blend of cold practicality and fleeting empathy, driven by Feyre’s influence and the broader needs of their world. The encounter underscores the complexity of their relationship, torn between past animosities and present obligations. Rhysand’s actions, though devoid of forgiveness, suggest a reluctant acknowledgment of their shared stakes in the fragile new order they must navigate together.
FAQs
1. How does Rhysand describe his emotional state at the beginning of the chapter, and what two key experiences contributed to this?
Answer:
Rhysand describes himself as “utterly ruined” and completely surrendered to Feyre, stating that any remaining part of his soul now belongs to her unconditionally. This emotional state stems from two pivotal experiences: their intimate encounter the previous night (“the sex had destroyed me”) and witnessing Feyre’s joyful reaction when he showed her the riverfront estate. The chapter emphasizes how these moments have deeply affected him, with Rhysand holding the memory of Feyre’s “shining, beautiful face” close as he visits Tamlin.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of the dead elk scene in Tamlin’s kitchen. What does this reveal about both Tamlin’s state and Rhysand’s response?
Answer:
The dead elk—with its throat arrowed, blood pooling, and hunting knife embedded nearby—serves as a powerful symbol of Tamlin’s stagnation and despair. The untouched kill represents his emotional paralysis and self-destructive neglect (“Your dinner is leaking”). Rhysand’s practical response (butchering the elk, lighting the stove) shows a pragmatic, if not fully forgiving, approach. While stating “it was not forgiveness—it was not kindness,” Rhysand still intervenes, suggesting that Tamlin’s survival matters for the larger political stability (“You can waste away and die after we’ve sorted out this new world”).3. What does the exchange about forgiveness between Rhysand and Tamlin reveal about their complex history and current dynamic?
Answer:
Their conversation about forgiveness exposes layers of unresolved trauma and bitterness. When Tamlin asks if Feyre might forgive him, Rhysand pointedly counters with “Do you want her to?” and “Do you deserve it?“—revealing his protective stance toward Feyre. Tamlin’s question about Rhysand forgiving him for the deaths of his mother and sister underscores their bloody past. Rhysand’s retort (“I don’t recall ever hearing an apology”) and internal monologue confirm that while he acknowledges Tamlin’s broken state, he cannot absolve him for irreparable losses, maintaining a tense but necessary dialogue.4. How does Lucien’s earlier advice to Feyre (“You will need Tamlin as an ally”) influence Rhysand’s actions in this chapter?
Answer:
Lucien’s warning serves as implicit motivation for Rhysand’s visit, mentioned twice in the chapter. Despite personal animosity, Rhysand demonstrates political pragmatism by arranging Summer Court soldiers for Spring’s border through Prince Varian—a strategic move to stabilize their realm. His final act of preparing food for Tamlin, while coldly delivered (“Eat, Tamlin”), reflects this balancing act between personal resentment and their shared responsibility as High Lords. The chapter suggests Rhysand is compartmentalizing his hatred for the greater good, though he pointedly reminds himself (and readers) this isn’t true reconciliation.5. Contrast Rhysand’s internal thoughts with his outward actions toward Tamlin. What does this dichotomy suggest about his character?
Answer:
Rhysand’s internal monologue reveals unwavering bitterness (“No. Never.” regarding forgiveness), yet his actions show restrained compassion—lighting the stove, preparing food, and securing border aid. This dichotomy highlights his maturity as a leader who prioritizes stability over vengeance, even while privately grieving. The Solstice context (“perhaps because Feyre had given me a gift”) suggests his capacity for mercy stems from his own happiness, not absolution for Tamlin. Ultimately, Rhysand embodies the tension between emotional wounds and duty, choosing pragmatic intervention while maintaining clear boundaries about what can never be forgiven.
Quotes
1. “Any lingering scrap of my soul that hadn’t already belonged to her had unconditionally surrendered last night.”
This opening line powerfully conveys Rhysand’s complete devotion to Feyre, setting the emotional tone for the chapter. It shows how their intimate connection has reached its ultimate depth.
2. “Do you think she will forgive me?… Do I deserve it?”
Tamlin’s raw questions to Rhysand reveal his broken state and guilt over past actions. This exchange represents the chapter’s central tension about forgiveness and redemption between former rivals.
3. “It was not forgiveness—it was not kindness. I could not, would not, ever forget what he’d done to those I loved most.”
This pivotal statement captures Rhysand’s complex stance - helping Tamlin survive while maintaining boundaries. It shows the nuanced aftermath of their shared history and war.
4. “You can waste away and die after we’ve sorted out this new world of ours.”
Rhysand’s pragmatic yet harsh words to Tamlin reflect both their strained relationship and the larger political realities they face. It underscores the chapter’s theme of balancing personal feelings with leadership responsibilities.
5. “Broken. Utterly broken.”
This simple yet powerful description of Tamlin’s state serves as a key emotional beat in the chapter. It shows Rhysand’s reluctant recognition of his rival’s suffering, adding depth to their interaction.