A Court of Silver Flames
Chapter Sixty-Two
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with the arrival of spring in Velaris, bringing a temporary respite from the looming threats of Briallyn and Beron. Despite the calm, Cassian warns that their enemies may be secretly amassing forces, leaving the group in a tense state of uncertainty. A rare red star appears in the sky, interpreted as an ill omen, further unsettling Rhys and the others. Nesta channels her growing anxiety into rigorous training with the priestesses, though she questions whether they will ever face real battle or if their preparations will remain theoretical.
Nesta’s focus shifts when she receives an urgent letter summoning her and Cassian to a forest clearing in the Middle, where Eris awaits them. The sight of the sacred mountain, a remnant of Amarantha’s reign, unnerves Nesta, prompting a discussion about its history and the mysterious trio of barren peaks. Eris reveals that these mountains, including the Prison and Ramiel, may hold ancient secrets beneath their surfaces. The conversation hints at deeper lore, but Cassian impatiently redirects the discussion to Eris’s reason for summoning them.
Eris discloses that his father, Beron, has been secretly meeting with Briallyn on the continent, raising suspicions of an impending conflict. He warns that the world seems to be holding its breath, waiting for Nesta to find the Harp—a revelation that catches Eris off guard when he realizes the Night Court already possesses it. Tensions escalate as Eris accuses them of hoarding the Trove’s power for their own gains, reflecting his ingrained distrust of their court’s intentions. Cassian deflects with a courtier’s cool demeanor, further intriguing Nesta.
The chapter concludes with Eris’s skepticism unresolved, as he questions whether the Night Court will next seek the Crown. Cassian’s evasive responses and Nesta’s internal reactions highlight the political maneuvering and underlying tensions between the courts. Nesta’s private admiration for Cassian’s diplomatic prowess adds a layer of personal intrigue, contrasting with the broader stakes of power and trust. The encounter leaves the reader anticipating the next steps in their precarious alliance and the looming threats on the horizon.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the red star that appears in the sky, and how do different characters react to it?
Answer:
The red star is described as a rare and ill omen, causing unease among the priestesses and even unsettling Rhysand. While the priestesses mutter about its ominous implications, Nesta observes that Rhys’s contemplative state may also stem from deeper concerns—particularly Feyre’s impending childbirth and their lack of solutions to save her. This celestial event serves as a symbolic harbinger of doom, amplifying the tension and uncertainty already present in Velaris. The varied reactions highlight how superstition and personal anxieties intertwine in the face of the unknown.
2. How does Eris’s perspective on the Night Court’s possession of the Trove items reflect the broader political tensions between the courts?
Answer:
Eris distrusts the Night Court’s motives, accusing them of potentially hoarding the Trove’s power for conquest, drawing parallels to the King of Hybern’s past actions. His skepticism stems from his upbringing in a court steeped in deceit and political maneuvering, making him unable to accept Cassian’s assurances at face value. This mirrors the wider distrust and power struggles between the courts, where alliances are fragile and historical grievances loom large. Eris’s reaction underscores how past conflicts shape present suspicions, even when intentions are genuinely benign.
3. Analyze the symbolic role of the three sacred mountains (the Prison, Ramiel, and the mountain under which Amarantha trapped the High Lords) in the chapter. How do they contribute to the world-building and thematic tension?
Answer:
The three mountains—barren and enigmatic—serve as physical reminders of the realm’s ancient, unresolved mysteries. Eris’s commentary reveals that their origins and purpose are unknown, yet two contain hidden structures, suggesting a forgotten history of power and possibly danger. The mountain tied to Amarantha’s reign evokes trauma and past oppression, while Ramiel’s unexplored depths hint at undiscovered threats. These peaks symbolize the lingering shadows of history and the unknown, reinforcing the chapter’s themes of anticipation and dread as the characters brace for an uncertain future.
4. How does Nesta’s internal conflict about the priestesses’ readiness for battle reflect her own growth and unresolved fears?
Answer:
Nesta questions whether the priestesses—and herself—are emotionally prepared to transition from training simulations to actual combat, fearing the psychological toll of violence. This mirrors her own journey: she has honed her skills but remains wary of the darkness that battle might awaken in her and others. Her introspection reveals a tension between duty and self-preservation, as well as concern for her friends’ well-being. This conflict underscores her evolving identity—no longer just a warrior in training but a leader grappling with the moral weight of war.
5. Evaluate Cassian’s diplomatic shift during the conversation with Eris. How does his use of a “courtier’s voice” reveal his adaptability and the complexities of inter-court negotiations?
Answer:
Cassian adopts a polished, almost dismissive tone with Eris, blending boredom and cruelty to mimic Rhysand’s political demeanor. This shift demonstrates his ability to navigate courtly intrigue when necessary, even as a warrior more accustomed to direct confrontation. Nesta’s reaction—arousal at his newfound cunning—highlights the duality of his character: both brute and strategist. The moment underscores how power dynamics in Prythian often demand performative ambiguity, where truths are veiled and trust is a calculated risk.
Quotes
1. “Spring dawned on Velaris. Nesta welcomed the sun into her bones, her heart, letting it warm her.”
This opening line beautifully captures Nesta’s emotional thawing and newfound connection to life, symbolizing her personal growth after the harsh winter both literally and metaphorically.
2. “But Nesta suspected that the omen wasn’t the only thing contributing to Rhys’s solemnity. Feyre was only two months from giving birth, and they still knew nothing about how to save her.”
This quote highlights the looming tension in the story - the impending birth and the unanswered question of Feyre’s survival, which drives much of the characters’ motivations and anxieties.
3. “Eris gave him a mocking smile, but continued, ‘Unsurprisingly, the Illyrians were never curious enough to see what secrets lie beneath Ramiel. If it, too, was carved up like the others by ancient hands.’”
This exchange reveals important lore about the sacred mountains while showcasing the political tensions between different factions, with Eris’s barbed comment highlighting the ongoing cultural divide.
4. “Nesta blinked. And realized too late, too slowly, that they had not told Eris they’d found it. And her blink had given it away.”
This moment represents a crucial turning point where Nesta accidentally reveals their possession of the Harp, escalating political tensions and setting up future conflicts between the courts.
5. “Nesta couldn’t help the thrill that shot down her spine. She wanted him to use that voice in the bedroom. Wanted him to whisper like that in her ear while he—”
This intimate thought reveals Nesta’s growing desire for Cassian and her comfort with her own sexuality, marking significant character development from her previously guarded self.