A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 6: Red royal III
by Schwab, V. E.The chapter opens with a scene in the royal courtyard, where King Maxim, Queen Emira, and Prince Rhy are enjoying tea under the night sky. Rhy enthusiastically discusses his upcoming twentieth birthday celebrations, arguing for extended festivities despite his father’s mild disapproval. The queen teasingly questions his motives, hinting at her desire to find him a suitable match. Kell, the adopted royal sibling, joins them and reluctantly supports Rhy’s party plans, though he privately finds the idea excessive. The family dynamic is warm yet layered with subtle tensions, particularly around Kell’s sense of belonging.
Kell’s return from a trip prompts concern from the king and queen, who note his exhaustion. The queen’s affectionate gesture—checking Kell’s well-being by touching his cheek—highlights her maternal care, though Kell’s fair complexion and reddish hair contrast with the royal family’s darker features, emphasizing his outsider status. Despite their love for him, Kell’s internal conflict about his place in the family lingers. After tea, Rhy follows Kell into the hallway, where their playful banter quickly turns serious as Rhy confronts him about his secret activities.
Rhy accuses Kell of smuggling items between Londons, a dangerous and illegal practice known as transference. Their confrontation reveals a deeper history: two years prior, Kell confessed to Rhy about his smuggling, driven by a need to assert independence despite the royal family’s generosity. Rhy, hurt by Kell’s admission of feeling like a “possession,” had reacted violently but kept his secret. Now, Rhy warns Kell to stop his reckless behavior, emphasizing the legal and personal risks. Kell deflects with humor, but Rhy’s earnest plea—rooted in brotherly love—underscores the stakes.
The chapter closes with Rhy affirming his loyalty to Kell, declaring, “There is nothing I would not give you.” Kell acknowledges this, and their exchange ends on a bittersweet note, with Rhy urging Kell to abandon his dangerous habits for the sake of their bond. Kell’s promise to stand by Rhy’s future kingship contrasts with his unresolved rebellion, leaving their relationship poised between trust and tension. The scene encapsulates the novel’s themes of family, identity, and the consequences of secrecy.
FAQs
1. How does the relationship between Kell and Rhy demonstrate both closeness and tension?
Answer:
Kell and Rhy share a complex bond that blends familial affection with underlying conflict. While Rhy openly calls Kell his “brother” and “closest friend,” their relationship is strained by Kell’s secret smuggling activities, which Rhy disapproves of but keeps hidden from their parents. The chapter shows their intimacy through playful banter and Rhy’s declaration that “there is nothing I would not give you,” yet tension surfaces when Rhy physically confronts Kell about his lies. Their dynamic reflects deep care complicated by moral disagreements and Kell’s feelings of being an outsider despite his royal adoption.2. Analyze how the theme of identity is explored through Kell’s character in this chapter.
Answer:
Kell’s struggle with identity is central to the chapter. Physically distinct from the royal family—with fair skin and reddish hair compared to their “polished wood” appearance—he feels like “a possession rather than a prince.” This fuels his rebellious smuggling, which he admits is a form of childish rebellion. The queen’s habit of searching his right eye for hidden truths symbolizes his divided self-perception. His admission that he’s “not truly a Maresh” despite their kindness reveals his unresolved conflict between his official status and personal sense of belonging.3. What does the debate over Rhy’s birthday celebrations reveal about the royal family’s dynamics?
Answer:
The birthday debate showcases the family’s distinct personalities and power structures. Rhy, charismatic but mischievous, argues for extended festivities by appealing to public enjoyment and his mother’s matchmaking agenda. King Maxim’s curt dismissal (“It’s called a birthday… Not a birthweek”) reflects his no-nonsense leadership style, while Queen Emira’s wry comment about avoiding a “brothel” reveals her pragmatic concern for propriety. Their interactions—a blend of affection, exasperation, and political awareness—highlight how familial and royal roles intersect. Rhy’s ability to sway Kell for support also demonstrates his persuasive charm within the family hierarchy.4. Why is Rhy so concerned about Kell’s smuggling activities, and what broader implications does this have?
Answer:
Rhy opposes Kell’s smuggling because it violates the laws against transference between Londons, which he calls “treason.” His concern stems from both loyalty (wanting to protect Kell from consequences) and principle (the implied dangers of unchecked magic or objects crossing worlds). The chapter hints at deeper stakes when Rhy references “the reason” the doors between worlds were shut, suggesting historical risks. Rhy’s warning that their parents would punish Kell underscores the tension between personal bonds and political duty, framing Kell’s actions as a threat to both family trust and kingdom security.5. How does the chapter use physical descriptions to emphasize themes of contrast and belonging?
Answer:
Descriptions heighten themes of difference and inclusion. The royal family’s unified appearance (“honey eyes and black hair,” “rich tan”) contrasts with Kell’s “fair skin and reddish hair,” visually marking his outsider status. Rhy’s statue-like strength versus Kell’s “afternoon shadow” slimness mirrors their personalities—Rhy’s solidity as heir versus Kell’s elusive nature. Even small details, like the queen touching Kell’s cheek or Rhy dislodging his gold circlet during arguments, reinforce intimacy versus tension. These contrasts deepen the exploration of Kell’s struggle to reconcile his place in the family and world.
Quotes
1. “‘It’s called a birthday,’ chided King Maxim… ‘Not a birthdays and certainly not a birthweek.’”
This quote captures the playful yet authoritative dynamic between King Maxim and Prince Rhy, establishing the royal family’s interpersonal relationships and Rhy’s penchant for extravagance.
2. “‘You’re the one determined to find me a match, Mother.’… ‘Yes,’ she said… ‘but I’d rather not turn the palace into a brothel to do it.’”
This exchange highlights the tension between Rhy’s mischievous nature and Queen Emira’s pragmatic royal duties, while showcasing the family’s witty banter and underlying concerns about propriety.
3. “‘I feel more like a possession than a prince.’”
A pivotal revelation about Kell’s internal conflict regarding his adopted royal status, explaining his rebellious smuggling activities and his complex relationship with the Maresh family.
4. “‘There is nothing I would not give you.’… ‘You are my brother. My closest friend.’”
Prince Rhy’s emotional declaration underscores the deep bond between him and Kell, serving as both a warning and an affirmation of their relationship despite Kell’s transgressions.
5. “‘Believe me. There’s no place I’d rather be.’ It was the truth.”
Kell’s sincere response to Rhy’s vision of their future together provides resolution to their conflict while maintaining the chapter’s theme of familial loyalty amidst personal struggles.