A Court of Thorns and Roses
Chapter 24
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter begins with the protagonist awakening to find Alis, a faerie servant, transformed from her usual fair appearance into a bark-skinned creature. Confused and alarmed, she realizes Tamlin’s glamour had previously masked the true forms of the faeries in the estate. This revelation unsettles her, as she comprehends the extent of the illusions meant to shield her from the unsettling reality of the faerie world. The protagonist grapples with the implications of these deceptions, recognizing they were designed to protect her human sensibilities from the often grotesque and frightening true appearances of the faeries.
As she ventures downstairs, the protagonist encounters a bustling estate filled with faeries of varying forms—some humanoid, others distinctly monstrous. Her discomfort grows as she realizes these beings had always been present, hidden by Tamlin’s glamour. Lucien and Tamlin explain that the glamour was necessary to prevent her from panicking, revealing she had unknowingly been observed by these faeries during her previous escapades. The protagonist feels a mix of embarrassment and betrayal, realizing her actions had been witnessed by an audience she never knew existed.
Tamlin clarifies that certain creatures, like the naga and the puca, were not part of his court and thus unaffected by the glamour. He warns her to avoid interacting with such beings for her safety, hinting at the growing threat of the blight. The protagonist senses his concern but is frustrated by his refusal to involve her in the conflict. Their conversation underscores the tension between Tamlin’s protective instincts and her desire to contribute, leaving her feeling excluded and powerless.
The chapter takes a dark turn when the protagonist discovers a severed High Fae head impaled on a garden statue. The gruesome sight shocks her, hinting at escalating violence and unrest in the faerie realm. This grim discovery serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beyond Tamlin’s protections, leaving the protagonist to ponder the fragility of her safety and the looming threat of the blight. The chapter ends on a foreboding note, setting the stage for further conflict and uncertainty.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Feyre seeing Alis’s true form for the first time, and what does this reveal about Tamlin’s court?
Answer:
Feyre’s shock at seeing Alis’s true tree-bark skin instead of her usual glamoured High Fae appearance reveals that Tamlin’s court has been using extensive glamours to mask their true forms from her. This was done intentionally to prevent Feyre, as a human, from being frightened by their monstrous appearances (Tamlin admits they feared she would “lock herself in her room” if she saw their true selves). The glamour extends to most court members, excluding dangerous creatures like the naga or puca who don’t belong to Tamlin’s court. This shows Tamlin’s protective nature but also highlights the underlying tension between humans and fae in Prythian.2. Analyze how the revelation about the constant presence of unseen faeries impacts Feyre’s perception of her experiences at the estate.
Answer:
The realization that faeries have been present all along—watching her every move while remaining invisible—fundamentally shifts Feyre’s understanding of her time at the estate. She experiences deep mortification upon learning her “stealthy” pursuit of the puca had an audience (Lucien confirms she “had an audience”). This reveals how thoroughly Tamlin controlled her environment, hiding not just appearances but entire presences. It underscores her vulnerability as a human in a faerie realm and makes her question other assumptions about her interactions. The revelation also adds humor (Tamlin’s suppressed amusement) but deeper unease about the power dynamics at play.3. What does Tamlin’s explanation about the Attor and other dangerous creatures reveal about the political structure of Prythian and the growing threat of the blight?
Answer:
Tamlin’s distinction between court-affiliated faeries (who are glamoured) and external threats like the Attor reveals Prythian’s fractured political landscape. He explains that the Attor “belongs to someone else,” hinting at rival courts or factions. His warning about the blight “freeing creatures from their tethers” suggests deteriorating magical boundaries, possibly tied to the weakening of the Wall. The severed High Fae head appearing in the garden (later in the chapter) confirms escalating violence. Tamlin’s protective measures—glamouring Feyre from such threats—show both his concern for her safety and the growing instability in Prythian that even a High Lord struggles to control.4. How does Lucien’s teasing comment about “the moon on a string” reflect broader tensions in Feyre and Tamlin’s relationship?
Answer:
Lucien’s jab—”If I offer you the moon on a string, will you give me a kiss, too?“—mocks Tamlin’s romantic gesture from the previous chapter, where Tamlin literally gave Feyre a vision of the moon on a string. This highlights the tension between Tamlin’s growing affection (and his court’s awareness of it) and Feyre’s lingering unease with faerie customs. Tamlin’s defensive reaction (“Don’t be an ass”) shows his protectiveness, while Feyre’s discomfort shifts the conversation to practical threats like the Attor. The exchange underscores their unresolved feelings and the complications of cross-species romance in their society.5. Evaluate the significance of the severed High Fae head appearing in the garden. What might this foreshadow?
Answer:
The grisly appearance of a bleeding High Fae head impaled on a fountain statue serves as a violent wake-up call about the spreading blight’s dangers. Unlike earlier threats (naga, puca), this is a deliberate act of brutality against a High Fae—a escalation suggesting targeted attacks between courts. The placement in Tamlin’s garden implies either a breach of security or an inside threat. Combined with Tamlin’s earlier warning about “worse” creatures being freed, this foreshadows: 1) an impending conflict between courts, 2) the blight’s corrosive effect on Prythian’s stability, and 3) potential danger to Feyre as violence reaches the estate’s borders.
Quotes
1. “Because Tamlin knew I would have locked myself in this room and never come out if I’d seen them all for their true selves.”
This reveals the protagonist’s initial fear of the fae world and Tamlin’s protective deception through glamours. It highlights the tension between human perception and fae reality that drives much of the chapter’s revelations.
2. “They’ve been here all along.” / “You had an audience,” Lucien finished for me.”
These paired quotes deliver the shocking revelation that Feyre’s solitary experiences were illusions, exposing her vulnerability and the court’s hidden observers. The dramatic irony underscores her growing awareness of her place in this world.
3. “If I offer you the moon on a string, will you give me a kiss, too?”
Lucien’s teasing remark references Tamlin’s romantic gesture while highlighting the growing intimacy between Feyre and Tamlin. It serves as comic relief while subtly advancing the romantic subplot.
4. “It’s not my safety I’m worried about.”
This simple statement demonstrates Feyre’s evolving concern for Tamlin and his court, marking her emotional transition from self-preservation to caring about the fae world’s fate. It contrasts sharply with her initial fearful stance.
5. “The next morning, I found a head in the garden.”
This jarring opening to the chapter’s final scene introduces sudden violence and foreshadows growing threats. The graphic imagery contrasts with the earlier revelations, reminding readers of the dangerous reality beneath the glamours.