A Court of Thorns and Roses
Chapter 32
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with the protagonist surveying the wreckage of a violent attack in the entry hall of a manor, noting bloodstains and shattered debris. She methodically analyzes the scene, concluding that the intruders surrounded the house and forced their way in. Despite the destruction, the absence of bodies gives her hope that Tamlin and Lucien are still alive. Her anxiety is palpable as she traces their possible movements, finding signs they were taken rather than killed.
While investigating further, the protagonist hides when she hears approaching footsteps, only to discover the intruder is Alis, a familiar figure. Alis is shocked to see her, insisting she shouldn’t have returned. The protagonist demands answers about Tamlin’s fate, and Alis reveals he and Lucien were taken alive by Amarantha, the High Queen of Prythian, who plans to break Tamlin for failing to shatter a curse. The protagonist is horrified, realizing she was unaware of the curse’s existence.
Alis explains Amarantha’s rise to power, describing her as a deceptive emissary from Hybern who charmed the High Lords over decades. Initially posing as a peacemaker, Amarantha eventually revealed her true ambitions, seizing control and establishing herself as High Queen. The protagonist recalls information from the Suriel about a faerie king’s resentment of the Treaty, hinting at Amarantha’s connection to broader political machinations.
The chapter ends with Alis gathering supplies while recounting Amarantha’s history, emphasizing her cunning and the threat she poses. The protagonist grapples with the revelation of Tamlin’s captivity and the looming danger of Amarantha’s court Under the Mountain. The tension builds as she resolves to confront the truth and take action, setting the stage for a high-stakes rescue mission.
FAQs
1. What evidence does the protagonist use to deduce that Tamlin and Lucien are likely alive, and what does this reveal about her skills and state of mind?
Answer:
The protagonist carefully examines the physical traces left in the wrecked manor, noting the absence of bodies and minimal gore, which suggests the inhabitants were taken rather than killed. She observes two sets of large footprints side by side leading from the dining room, indicating Tamlin and Lucien walked out without a fight. This deduction highlights her keen observational skills and tracking abilities, honed from her hunting experience. Her repeated mantra—”No bodies… They had to be alive”—reveals her desperate hope and emotional turmoil, as she clings to logic to stave off panic. Her methodical analysis under extreme stress demonstrates both her resilience and her ability to compartmentalize fear to focus on the task at hand.2. Who is Amarantha, and what historical context does Alis provide about her rise to power in Prythian?
Answer:
Amarantha is revealed as the High Queen of Prythian, a title that contradicts the established rule of the seven High Lords. According to Alis, Amarantha arrived a century ago as an emissary from Hybern, the faerie kingdom that resented the Treaty ending the War with humans. Posing as a diplomat called the “Never-Fading Flower,” she spent 50 years ingratiating herself with the High Lords, advocating for trade and reconciliation. Her true motive, however, was infiltration—a plot tied to Hybern’s desire to reclaim human lands. This backstory aligns with the Suriel’s earlier warning about Hybern’s commanders sowing discord. Amarantha’s eventual usurpation of power underscores themes of deception and the fragility of political systems when faced with patient, manipulative threats.3. Analyze the significance of the curse mentioned by Alis. How does it reframe the protagonist’s understanding of Tamlin’s situation?
Answer:
The curse—imposed by Amarantha and tied to a “seven times seven years” timeframe—reveals that Tamlin’s struggles were part of a larger, hidden conflict. The protagonist realizes she failed to perceive this curse, adding guilt to her distress. The curse’s expiration and Amarantha’s retaliation (taking Tamlin to her court “Under the Mountain”) reframe Tamlin’s earlier actions as desperate attempts to break it, possibly explaining his secrecy and volatility. This revelation forces the protagonist to confront her limited understanding of Prythian’s politics and the stakes of Tamlin’s captivity. It also introduces a ticking clock: Amarantha intends to “break him” publicly, suggesting both psychological torment and a performative display of power to the other High Lords.4. How does the chapter use sensory details and environmental descriptions to convey tension and foreshadowing?
Answer:
The wrecked manor is depicted through visceral imagery—shattered glass, gouged walls, blood smears—creating a atmosphere of violence and chaos. The absence of sound (“too-quiet halls”) heightens unease, suggesting imminent danger. Specific details, like the fire-scorched kitchen or the disturbed footprints, serve dual purposes: they provide clues for the protagonist’s investigation while foreshadowing larger conflicts (e.g., the fire mirrors Amarantha’s destructive reign). The protagonist’s cautious movements (“eased to my feet,” “pressed a hand over my mouth”) mirror the reader’s growing dread. Even Alis’s whispered revelations in the ruined kitchen amplify tension, as the setting underscores the fragility of safety and the looming threat of Amarantha’s return.5. Evaluate the protagonist’s decision to return to the manor despite being warned to stay away. What does this reveal about her character arc?
Answer:
Her return demonstrates a pivotal shift from obedience to agency. Initially, she followed Tamlin’s orders (e.g., staying away), but her guilt and concern now override compliance. This choice highlights her loyalty and growing assertiveness, though Alis’s rebuke (“He told you not to come back”) underscores its recklessness. Her insistence on helping—”I had to come back”—reflects a refusal to be sidelined, a trait that may define her role in challenging Amarantha. However, the chapter subtly questions whether her actions are brave or foolhardy, as her emotional drive (“I couldn’t stay away”) clashes with the practical dangers ahead. This moment sets the stage for her transition from a reactive survivor to an active participant in Prythian’s conflicts.
Quotes
1. “Another forest, I told myself. Another set of tracks.”
This quote shows the protagonist’s attempt to mentally reframe a chaotic, violent scene into something familiar and manageable—drawing on her survival skills as a huntress. It reveals her resilience and analytical approach to crisis.
2. “No bodies, I kept repeating to myself. There were no bodies, and not much gore. They had to be alive. Tamlin had to be alive.”
This repeated mantra demonstrates the protagonist’s desperate hope and determination in the face of potential tragedy. It highlights her emotional connection to Tamlin while showing her pragmatic assessment of the scene.
3. “Amarantha is High Queen of this land. The High Queen of Prythian.”
This revelation serves as a major plot point, introducing the primary antagonist and explaining the political upheaval in Prythian. The quote marks a turning point where the true nature of the conflict becomes clear.
4. “She took him for the curse—because the seven times seven years were over, and he hadn’t shattered her curse.”
This quote explains the central conflict driving the story’s events, revealing Tamlin’s predicament and the time-sensitive nature of the curse. It provides crucial backstory about the magical and political stakes.
5. “The Never-Fading Flower, they called her.”
This epithet for Amarantha contrasts beautifully with her true nature as a villain, demonstrating the deceptive charm she used to infiltrate Prythian’s courts. The poetic nickname makes her more intriguing as an antagonist.