A Court of Silver Flames
Chapter Twenty-Seven
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with Nesta struggling to face Cassian after their intimate encounter the previous night, using Gwyn as a buffer during their morning training session. Their conversation shifts to the elusive Dread Trove, with Gwyn revealing that even Merrill’s research has yielded little information about the ancient artifacts. Nesta reflects on the immensity of Fae history and Amren’s age, though even Amren can’t recall the Trove’s last possessor. Gwyn suggests the search might be futile, but Nesta dismisses an alternative method involving bones and stones, hinting at her reluctance to confront painful memories.
As Gwyn departs after their lesson, Nesta and Cassian share a tense but charged moment, both acutely aware of their unresolved attraction. Nesta asks about Cassian’s trip to Windhaven, and their exchange is laced with unspoken desire, with Nesta recalling their passionate encounter in vivid detail. Cassian mentions Gwyn’s progress and the reluctance of other priestesses to join their training, prompting Nesta to admit she genuinely likes Gwyn—a rare admission of affection from her. The conversation highlights Nesta’s growing connections and her subtle efforts to encourage others.
Nesta seizes the opportunity to ask Cassian for a favor: delivering a gift of spices, tea, and salt to Emerie, her friend in Windhaven. Cassian obliges, presenting the items to Emerie, who is visibly touched by the thoughtful gesture. He relays Nesta’s invitation for Emerie to join their training, offering transportation if needed. Though Emerie hesitates due to her shop responsibilities, Cassian respects her decision, recognizing Nesta’s kindness in both the gift and the invitation. The interaction underscores Nesta’s evolving empathy and her desire to support those she cares about.
The chapter closes with Cassian reflecting on Nesta’s unexpected generosity and the stark contrast between her guarded demeanor with the court and her ease with Gwyn and Emerie. Her actions reveal a softer, more compassionate side, surprising Cassian and hinting at her gradual emotional growth. The chapter weaves together themes of connection, healing, and unspoken desire, setting the stage for deeper relationships and potential conflicts ahead.
FAQs
1. How does Nesta’s relationship with Gwyn differ from her interactions with other characters, and what does this reveal about her character development?
Answer:
Nesta’s relationship with Gwyn shows a softer, more open side of her character that contrasts sharply with her typically guarded interactions with others. She admits to liking Gwyn—something Cassian notes he’s never heard her say about anyone—and their training sessions create an easy camaraderie. This reveals significant growth in Nesta’s ability to form genuine connections, as she moves beyond her defensive posture with the Inner Court. The chapter highlights this shift through their shared focus on training and Nesta’s willingness to use Gwyn as a buffer with Cassian, suggesting she feels safer expressing vulnerability around her.2. What internal conflict does Nesta face regarding the Dread Trove, and how does she respond to it?
Answer:
Nesta grapples with the knowledge that she could locate the Dread Trove using her connection to bones and stones—a method tied to her unsettling powers. When Gwyn suggests there might be no other way to find the artifacts, Nesta’s body locks up in clear discomfort, and she lies by claiming no alternative exists. This reveals her deep fear and reluctance to engage with this aspect of her abilities, likely due to the trauma and darkness associated with them. Her avoidance underscores the ongoing tension between her potential power and her desire to distance herself from it.3. Analyze the significance of Cassian’s gift delivery to Emerie and what it reveals about Nesta’s growth.
Answer:
The carefully selected spices, tea, and salt that Nesta sends to Emerie serve two purposes: they act as a genuine gift reflecting thoughtfulness (Emerie’s joyful reaction confirms their value), and they subtly encourage her to join training. This gesture reveals Nesta’s growing empathy and strategic kindness—she recognizes Emerie’s needs and interests while respecting her autonomy (“If you can’t stay the full time, that’s fine”). Cassian’s observation that Nesta gave the gift “from the kindness of her heart” highlights her evolving ability to connect with others beyond transactional or defensive interactions.4. How does the chapter portray the tension between Nesta and Cassian following their intimate encounter?
Answer:
The tension is palpable but understated. Nesta struggles to meet Cassian’s gaze initially, relying on Gwyn as a buffer, and their interactions are marked by brief, charged glances rather than direct conversation about what happened. Sensory details—like Nesta recalling the taste of him and Cassian’s darkened eyes—emphasize the lingering physical attraction. Their avoidance of discussing the encounter (focusing instead on training and Windhaven) suggests both characters are processing the shift in their relationship privately. This creates a compelling dynamic where unspoken emotions simmer beneath practical exchanges.5. What broader themes about trauma and recovery are suggested through Emerie’s reluctance to join the training sessions?
Answer:
Emerie’s hesitation reflects the challenges of overcoming trauma and societal constraints. Her initial refusal (“It’s not the right time”) hints at fear—both of physical vulnerability and perhaps judgment from others in Windhaven. The offer to accommodate her schedule (“Come for an hour”) mirrors a trauma-informed approach to healing, emphasizing choice and gradual steps. Nesta’s outreach—through gifts rather than pressure—suggests that recovery requires patience and personalized support. This subplot reinforces the book’s larger themes about reclaiming agency after trauma, showing how safety and trust must be earned, not demanded.
Quotes
1. “She’d lain awake in bed last night thinking of every stroke, every sound he’d made, still feeling the press of his fingers into her head as he’d thrust into her mouth. The memory alone had made her slide a hand between her legs, and she’d needed to find release twice before her body calmed enough to sleep.”
This quote captures Nesta’s raw, unfiltered desire for Cassian and the lingering intensity of their intimate encounter. It reveals her vulnerability and the depth of her physical connection with him, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship.
2. “Nesta around Gwyn was a wholly different creature than who she was with the court. They didn’t tease or laugh with each other, but an easiness lay between them that he’d never witnessed, even when Nesta was with her sisters.”
This passage highlights Nesta’s evolving relationships, particularly her unexpected bond with Gwyn. It underscores her capacity for connection outside her strained interactions with the Inner Circle, showing a softer, more authentic side of her character.
3. “Emerie’s fingers fell away from the spices and tea. ‘It’s not the right time.’”
This brief but powerful exchange reveals Emerie’s internal conflict about joining the training sessions. The gifts from Nesta represent both kindness and an invitation to step beyond her comfort zone, but Emerie’s hesitation reflects the lingering scars of her past.
4. “She had no regrets about what she’d done in the dining room. Even if it had been glaringly obvious that Azriel had known what he was interrupting.”
This quote showcases Nesta’s growing confidence and lack of shame about her desires. It also adds humor and tension, emphasizing the ripple effects of her boldness on those around her.