A Court of Silver Flames
Chapter Fifty-Six
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with the onset of winter in Velaris, where Nesta and her fellow Valkyries endure harsh training conditions, their weapons and shields often coated in frost. Despite the cold, Nesta thrives physically, her gaunt appearance replaced by a healthier visage, even as her intense sexual relationship with Cassian continues. Though their encounters are passionate, Nesta grapples with the emotional distance Cassian maintains, never staying to hold her afterward, leaving her to wonder when he might grow tired of her.
Nesta’s life expands beyond training as she begins dance lessons with Morrigan, using the Veritas orb to study intricate waltzes from various Fae courts. The music captivates her, offering a rare joy, though the lessons remain strictly professional, with Morrigan offering little personal interaction. As the Winter Solstice approaches, Morrigan surprises Nesta by taking an interest in her attire for the upcoming ball, marking the first genuine conversation between them. Nesta’s hesitant use of Morrigan’s nickname, “Mor,” signals a tentative step toward camaraderie.
Their dynamic shifts further when they visit the library, where Nesta witnesses Morrigan’s warm friendship with Clotho, a contrast to the coldness she usually directs at Nesta. This moment stirs shame in Nesta, highlighting her outsider status. Meanwhile, Emerie’s visit to the library reveals her admiration for Morrigan, adding another layer to the group’s complex interpersonal dynamics. Gwyn teases Nesta about her dual roles as a dancer and shelver, lightening the mood.
The chapter closes with Nesta reflecting on her evolving relationships and the upcoming challenge of dancing with Eris at the ball. Morrigan’s confidence that Nesta will humble Eris hints at the underlying tensions and unspoken alliances within the court. Nesta’s physical and emotional transformations are central, as she navigates newfound strengths, vulnerabilities, and the delicate balance between intimacy and isolation in her world.
FAQs
1. How has Nesta’s physical appearance and condition changed over the past month, and what factors contributed to these changes?
Answer:
Nesta’s physical appearance has significantly improved over the past month. The gauntness in her face has diminished, and the dark shadows under her eyes have disappeared. These changes are attributed to her rigorous training regimen with the Valkyries in cold weather, which has strengthened her physically, as well as her frequent intimate encounters with Cassian. Despite their intense physical relationship and late nights, Nesta no longer shows signs of exhaustion. The chapter notes that she even had to switch to a larger size of leathers, indicating her body has become healthier and more robust through these combined activities.2. What is the significance of Nesta and Morrigan’s dance lessons, and how does the Veritas orb enhance their training?
Answer:
The dance lessons between Nesta and Morrigan (Mor) serve as preparation for Nesta’s upcoming interactions in the Hewn City and Autumn Court, particularly for the Winter Solstice ball. Rhys provided the Veritas orb to allow Mor to share her memories of various dances and accompanying music, which Nesta studies intently. The orb not only shows the technical steps but also immerses Nesta in the atmosphere of past balls, some joyful and others tinged with darkness. The music captivates Nesta, making her wish for extended lessons just to experience it repeatedly. This training is crucial for Nesta to navigate the political and social expectations of the Fae courts.3. How does the dynamic between Nesta and Morrigan evolve in this chapter, and what pivotal moment marks this shift?
Answer:
The dynamic between Nesta and Morrigan (Mor) shifts from distant and formal to slightly more personal in this chapter. The turning point occurs when Nesta thanks Mor for offering to help her find an appropriate dress for the ball, addressing her as “Morrigan” for the first time. Mor responds by insisting Nesta call her “Mor,” a nickname reserved for close acquaintances, and jokes about Amren being the only one who uses her full name. This moment of casual humor and the shared task of preparing for the ball break the ice between them, leading to their first normal conversation and a tentative step toward mutual respect.4. What internal conflict does Nesta grapple with regarding her relationship with Cassian, and how does it manifest in her thoughts?
Answer:
Nesta struggles with insecurity about Cassian’s feelings for her, fearing he will eventually grow bored and leave. Despite their passionate and frequent physical relationship—described in vivid detail—she notes that Cassian never stays to hold her afterward, which leaves her questioning his emotional attachment. She wonders when he will tire of her, even as she admits she cannot imagine tiring of him. This internal conflict highlights Nesta’s vulnerability and lingering self-doubt, contrasting with her outward physical transformation and growing confidence in other areas of her life.5. How does the chapter portray the contrast between Nesta’s public and private selves, particularly in her interactions with Mor and Emerie?
Answer:
The chapter highlights Nesta’s duality: her private self is passionate and vulnerable (with Cassian) or intellectually curious (with the Veritas orb), while her public self remains guarded. With Mor, she begins to lower her walls slightly during their dance lessons, but their interactions are still marked by formality until their breakthrough moment. In contrast, her camaraderie with Emerie and Gwyn in the library shows a more relaxed side, as they joke about her dancing and share casual observations. The scene where Nesta watches Mor and Clotho embrace warmly underscores her feelings of isolation and shame, reminding her of the warmth she struggles to fully embrace in her own relationships.
Quotes
1. “A month passed, and winter crept upon Velaris like hoarfrost over a windowpane.”
This opening line beautifully sets the atmospheric tone for the chapter, using vivid imagery to convey both the passage of time and the encroaching cold. It establishes the seasonal context for the training and relationships that follow.
2. “Nesta had to switch into another size of leathers, and when she looked in the mirror each morning to braid her hair, the face that stared back had lost its gauntness, the shadows beneath the eyes.”
This quote marks a significant physical transformation for Nesta, symbolizing her gradual healing and recovery through training and intimacy. The visible changes reflect her internal growth and newfound strength.
3. “She told herself it didn’t matter that he never stayed in her bed afterward to hold her. She wondered when he’d grow tired of it—of her.”
This vulnerable moment reveals Nesta’s lingering self-doubt and fear of abandonment, contrasting with her physical confidence. It highlights the emotional complexity beneath her passionate relationship with Cassian.
4. “It was the first normal conversation they’d had. The first time Nesta had even uttered those words to Morrigan. Ever said her name.”
This breakthrough moment in Nesta and Mor’s relationship signifies Nesta’s growing ability to connect with others beyond her immediate circle. The simple exchange marks progress in her social rehabilitation.
5. “No. Because I know you’re going to make him crawl before the end of it.”
Mor’s blunt assessment of Nesta’s upcoming dance with Eris reveals both their shared understanding and Nesta’s developing reputation. The line hints at political tensions while showcasing Nesta’s emerging power in social situations.