A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 7: Rhysand
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Rhysand reflecting on a sleepless night, troubled by Eris’s warning about Tamlin and the Spring Court borders. Despite returning home with Feyre, he avoids discussing the issue, choosing instead to brood alone. Seeking solace, he flies to the House of Wind at dawn, where Azriel presents him with unsettling reports about growing discontent among Illyrian clans. The tension between Rhysand’s duty as High Lord and his personal frustrations is palpable as he grapples with the implications of the unrest.
Azriel’s report reveals widespread dissent within the Illyrian camps, particularly among families of fallen warriors who blame Rhysand and his allies for their losses. The shadowsinger’s calm demeanor contrasts with Rhysand’s growing unease, as the latter acknowledges the potential for rebellion. Their discussion highlights the fragile balance of power in Prythian, with Rhysand adamant that disbanding the Illyrians is not an option, despite Azriel’s disdain for their hypocrisy. The tension between them underscores the complexity of leadership in a post-war world.
The conversation shifts to broader threats, including the lingering presence of the human queens and the unrest in Hybern. Rhysand emphasizes the precarious nature of the current peace, fearing that other Fae territories might exploit the absence of the Wall to invade human lands. Azriel’s role as spymaster is critical in monitoring these threats, but Rhysand’s strategic patience is evident as he prioritizes stability over immediate action. The chapter reveals his calculated approach to leadership, balancing urgency with restraint.
Rhysand decides to withhold the full extent of the Illyrian unrest from Cassian until after the Solstice holiday, aiming to spare his brother additional stress. The unspoken tension around Nesta’s situation lingers, hinting at unresolved personal dynamics within their inner circle. The chapter closes with Rhysand reaffirming his commitment to vigilance, particularly regarding the human queens, while Azriel’s silent compliance underscores their deep mutual trust. The interplay of political strategy and personal loyalty defines the chapter’s tone.
FAQs
1. What is the primary conflict Rhysand and Azriel discuss regarding the Illyrians, and what are their differing perspectives on how to handle it?
Answer:
The primary conflict revolves around growing discontent among Illyrian clans following the war, with some families blaming Rhysand’s leadership for their losses. Azriel expresses frustration at their hypocrisy, calling them “pieces of shit” for training as warriors yet vilifying leadership when casualties occur (pg. 67). Rhysand takes a more diplomatic approach, acknowledging their grief over “something irreplaceable” (pg. 67) while arguing that disbanding the army would risk rebellion or leave Prythian vulnerable. Their key difference lies in emotional response versus strategic pragmatism—Azriel leans toward condemnation, while Rhysand emphasizes monitoring dissent and maintaining readiness for future conflicts.2. Analyze how the chapter characterizes Azriel’s shadows and their significance to his identity.
Answer:
Azriel’s shadows are portrayed as both a weapon and a trauma response, born from his imprisonment in a “lightless, airless prison” (pg. 66). Unlike Rhysand’s powers, they are described as a “language” he learned to wield, suggesting resilience and adaptation. The shadows physically manifest as “living tattoos” (pg. 66), mirroring his Illyrian markings but distinct from his Siphons’ magic. This duality reflects his complex identity: an Illyrian warrior with unexplained gifts, shaped by suffering. Their persistent presence—coiling around his wings or Truth-Teller’s hilt (pg. 66-67)—symbolizes how trauma and power intertwine in his character.3. How does Rhysand’s decision to delay telling Cassian about the Illyrian dissent reflect his leadership style and personal relationships?
Answer:
Rhysand’s choice to withhold the full extent of Illyrian unrest until after Solstice (pg. 68) demonstrates his balance of strategic foresight and empathy. He prioritizes Cassian’s emotional well-being during the holiday, recognizing his friend’s existing burdens (implied to include Nesta, though unspoken). This reflects a leadership style that weighs morale alongside pragmatism—he acknowledges Cassian would “be pissed” (pg. 69) but deems the temporary secrecy necessary. It also reveals his deep understanding of his inner circle’s limits, showing how he navigates the line between High Lord and brotherly protector.4. What broader political tensions does the chapter hint at beyond the Illyrian conflict?
Answer:
The chapter foreshadows three key tensions: First, the lingering threat of Tamlin’s Spring Court, hinted at by Eris’s warning (pg. 65). Second, the human queens’ suspicious behavior, as they remain consolidated in their joint palace rather than returning to their territories (pg. 68). Third, potential power vacuums in human lands post-war, with Rhysand noting other Fae might “make a grab” for them (pg. 68). These threads underscore the fragility of Prythian’s peace, emphasizing that the Illyrian unrest is just one facet of a precarious geopolitical landscape requiring constant surveillance—a task delegated to Azriel.5. How does the narrative use sensory details to contrast Rhysand’s internal turmoil with his external environment?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes Rhysand’s restless energy with vivid environmental imagery. His sleepless night leaves him seeking the “biting cold” of dawn flight (pg. 66), where numb wings physically mirror emotional exhaustion. Velaris’s morning hues—warm and vibrant—contrast with the “frost” in Azriel’s gaze (pg. 68) and Rhysand’s own “brood[ing]” by firelight (pg. 65). Even Azriel’s shadows “absorb” sunlight (pg. 66), creating a visual tension between light and darkness that mirrors their conversation’s tension between war’s costs and fragile peace. These details externalize Rhysand’s unspoken stress as a leader bearing intersecting crises.
Quotes
1. “Shadows different from anything my powers summoned, spoke to. Born in a lightless, airless prison meant to break him. Instead, he had learned its language.”
This quote highlights Azriel’s unique and mysterious abilities as a shadowsinger, emphasizing how his traumatic past shaped his connection to the shadows. It underscores the theme of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity.
2. “The Illyrians are pieces of shit. They train and train as warriors, and yet when they don’t come home, their families make us into villains for sending them to war?”
Azriel’s blunt condemnation of the Illyrians reveals the deep tension and resentment between the warriors and their leaders. It reflects the moral complexity of war and the sacrifices demanded of soldiers and their families.
3. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
Rhysand’s succinct remark captures the growing unrest among the Illyrian clans and foreshadows potential conflict. It underscores the chapter’s focus on political instability and the challenges of maintaining peace after the war.
4. “This peace is tenuous.”
This quote succinctly summarizes the fragile state of Prythian after the war, touching on threats from the human queens, Hybern, and other Fae territories. It highlights the ongoing political and military tensions that Rhysand and his allies must navigate.
5. “He’s going to have enough to deal with. Let him enjoy the holiday while he can.”
Rhysand’s decision to withhold troubling news from Cassian until after the Solstice reveals his protective nature and the weight of leadership. It also hints at the personal struggles Cassian faces, adding depth to their brotherly bond.