A Court of Mist and Fury
Chapter 38
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter begins with Amren leaving the group to return a significant book to her residence in Velaris. The protagonist, exhausted from a sleepless night filled with danger and intense effort, takes a moment to rest in the garden and eventually moves to the rooftop to watch the sunset. The peaceful setting contrasts with the underlying tension and the looming threats they face, highlighting a rare moment of calm amidst chaos. Rhysand is already there, lounging with a relaxed demeanor, hinting at the complex mixture of camaraderie and underlying seriousness that defines their relationship and current circumstances.
Rhysand’s conversation reveals the gravity of their covert operations and the difficult decisions he has made. He discusses the risks involved in acquiring the Book from the Summer Court, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and the moral dilemma of stealing from Tarquin, who had once sought an alliance and friendship. The act of theft is portrayed as a necessary but regretful choice, illustrating the high stakes of their mission and Rhysand’s internal conflict about betraying someone who once trusted him. The chapter explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral gray areas of leadership in wartime.
The scene shifts to the discovery of blood rubies—dangerous tokens that mark a target for assassination or retribution within the Summer Court. Rhysand’s cautious handling of these blood rubies underscores their significance as symbols of impending danger. Rhysand’s reflection on the potential consequences of their actions, including the risk of exposing their plans or escalating conflict, reveals the delicate balance they must maintain. His concerns about the repercussions for himself, Amren, and others involved highlight the perilous nature of their covert operations and the importance of strategic restraint.
In the concluding dialogue, the narrative emphasizes Rhysand’s unwavering commitment to protecting Velaris at any cost, even if it requires paying personal sacrifices. The conversation about the blood rubies and the threat they pose underscores the broader context of ongoing war and political intrigue. The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding but also resilience, as Rhysand and the protagonist acknowledge the necessity of enduring hardship to achieve their goals. The chapter encapsulates themes of duty, the moral complexities of wartime decisions, and the unyielding resolve to safeguard their world.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the blood rubies, and what significance do they hold within the context of the Summer Court?
Answer:
Blood rubies are large, vividly colored gemstones—each the size of a chicken egg—used as symbols of grave insult in the Summer Court. Sending a blood ruby to an offender signifies that a price has been placed on their head, marking them as hunted and marked for death. In the chapter, Rhysand reveals that three blood rubies arrived at the Court of Nightmares, indicating that individuals—potentially including the protagonists—are now targets. The blood rubies symbolize the severity of a betrayal or offense and serve as a tangible warning of impending danger and retribution, emphasizing the high-stakes political and personal conflicts at play.2. Question 2
How does Rhysand’s decision to steal the Book from Tarquin reflect his internal conflicts and strategic thinking?
Answer:
Rhysand’s choice to steal the Book demonstrates a complex balance between his strategic priorities and personal morals. He debates whether to ask Tarquin directly, fearing rejection or the risk of public knowledge if the deal goes wrong. Ultimately, he opts for theft to keep the mission secret, even though he admits to feeling guilty about the act—highlighting his internal conflict between necessity and conscience. This decision underscores his willingness to take morally gray actions for the greater good, such as protecting Velaris and advancing their plans against the Cauldron. It also reveals his awareness of the importance of secrecy and the dangerous game of political espionage he is engaged in.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter explore themes of loyalty and sacrifice through Rhysand’s actions and reflections?
Answer:
The chapter vividly explores loyalty and sacrifice through Rhysand’s willingness to risk his reputation and moral compass for the sake of Velaris and their broader mission. His decision to steal the Book and keep the blood rubies secret signifies his commitment to protecting his city at personal cost. Rhysand’s acknowledgment that he is willing to pay the price—”any hopes for himself, his own happiness”—illustrates the depth of his sacrifice. Additionally, his concern about the potential consequences and the possibility of a feud lasting millennia reflect his understanding that loyalty often involves enduring long-term conflicts and making difficult choices for the collective good.4. Question 4
How does the chapter depict the political tensions between the different courts, and what insights does this provide about the broader political landscape?
Answer:
The chapter highlights the tense and fragile relationships between the courts through the exchange involving blood rubies, theft, and the threat of war. Rhysand’s reluctance to directly confront Tarquin and his strategic theft of the Book reveal the covert and delicate nature of political alliances and rivalries. The mention of Tarquin wanting to be friends suggests underlying complexities in court relationships, where diplomacy is often intertwined with deception and hidden agendas. The potential for a feud lasting centuries underscores the deep-rooted animosities and the high stakes involved in maintaining or disrupting alliances, painting a picture of a politically volatile and treacherous landscape.5. Question 5
Reflecting on Rhysand’s attitude towards the blood rubies and the potential conflict they signify, what can be inferred about his leadership style and priorities?
Answer:
Rhysand’s attitude toward the blood rubies—viewing them as a necessary, albeit undesirable, part of his strategic arsenal—indicates a pragmatic and calculated leadership style. He recognizes the importance of protecting Velaris and maintaining secrecy over their plans, even if it involves morally ambiguous actions like theft and withholding information. His willingness to endure long-lasting conflicts for the greater good shows his prioritization of the city’s safety and stability over personal or immediate moral considerations. Rhysand’s focus on long-term consequences and his readiness to pay any price for peace and security reflect a leader who values strategic foresight and resilience in the face of political adversity.
Quotes
1. “He thought that he might very well say no, then sell the information to the highest bidder. I thought he might say yes, and it’d still wind up with too many people knowing our plans and the potential for that information to get out. And at the end of the day, I needed the why of our mission to remain secret for as long as possible.”
This quote highlights Rhysand’s internal conflict about the risks of acquiring the Book and underscores the importance of secrecy in their strategic plans. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of difficult choices and trust.
2. “I made a mistake. I should have wiped the minds of the guards and let them continue on. Instead, I knocked them out. It’s been a while since I had to do any sort of physical… defending like that, and I was so focused on my Illyrian training that I forgot the other arsenal at my disposal.”
This reflects Rhysand’s acknowledgment of his errors, emphasizing themes of responsibility and the human (or fae) fallibility even among powerful beings. It also reveals the stakes and the weight of their clandestine actions.
3. “He’d pay with everything he had, I realized. Any hopes for himself, his own happiness.”
This powerful statement captures Rhysand’s willingness to sacrifice his personal happiness and future in service of the greater good, illustrating the depth of his commitment and the burdens of leadership.
4. “Because her answer would be to go to Adriata and wipe the city off the map.”
This dark insight into Amren’s potential response underscores the severity of the conflict and the extreme measures that might be considered in their fight. It highlights the dangerous stakes involved and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
5. “Get through this war, Rhysand, and then worry about Tarquin and the blood rubies. Nullify the Cauldron, stop the king from shattering the wall and enslaving the human realm again, and then we’ll figure out the rest after.”
This quote encapsulates the chapter’s overarching message: survival and overcoming immediate threats take precedence, with future resolutions to be addressed once the current crisis is managed. It emphasizes strategic focus amidst chaos.