Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 1
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with a tense depiction of a covert infiltration into a manor house during a storm. The protagonist, the King’s Champion, moves stealthily through the darkness, having carefully planned her entry over several days. Her silent approach is emphasized by the storm’s noise, which masks her movements, and her mastery of stealth is evident as she scales the garden wall and slips inside unnoticed. The setting establishes a mood of secrecy and danger, highlighting her skill and determination to carry out her clandestine mission without alerting anyone within the estate.
As she navigates the dark hallways, the Champion remains vigilant, listening for any signs of disturbance. She carefully observes her surroundings, noting the layout of the house and the specific location of Lord Nirall’s bedroom, which she has memorized. Her focus is razor-sharp as she moves through the house, blending into the shadows and avoiding detection. The storm continues to rage outside, adding to the atmosphere of chaos and urgency, yet she remains calm and precise, driven by a sense of duty and purpose.
Upon reaching Lord Nirall’s bedroom, the Champion pauses to assess her surroundings. She observes the sleeping figures of Lord Nirall and his wife, questioning the reason behind the king’s desire for their death. Despite her curiosity, she suppresses her doubts, understanding that her role is to obey orders without question. Her inner conflict is subtly hinted at, but her professionalism prevails as she prepares to execute her mission. The scene underscores her resolve and the gravity of her task, emphasizing the peril and moral complexity involved in her assignment.
The chapter culminates with a tense moment as she raises her sword over Lord Nirall, just as he awakens. The narrative halts at this critical juncture, heightening suspense and emphasizing the life-and-death stakes of her infiltration. Her breath is shaky, and her hand is steady but trembling, illustrating the emotional weight of her actions. The storm’s thunder serves as a backdrop to this pivotal scene, symbolizing the chaos and moral ambiguity that underpin her clandestine operation, leaving readers eager to discover the outcome of this dangerous confrontation.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What methods does the assassin use to infiltrate the manor house, and how does the environment contribute to her concealment?
Answer:
The assassin employs stealth and careful planning to infiltrate the manor house. She scales the garden wall, uses a drainpipe to reach the second-floor windows, and slips inside during a storm. The storm environment—characterized by thunder and gusting wind—serves as a natural cover, masking her movements and making her entry less noticeable. Additionally, the darkness and storm noise help her blend into the shadows, allowing her to remain concealed from servants and guards. These environmental factors are crucial to her success, providing cover for her clandestine approach and helping her avoid detection as she moves through the house.2. Question 2
What does the assassin’s internal monologue reveal about her attitude toward her mission and her understanding of her role?
Answer:
The assassin’s internal monologue reveals a sense of discipline and submission to her mission. She emphasizes that her job is to obey and that her personal feelings or questions are secondary to her task. Her focus on obeying orders—”It wasn’t her place to ask questions”—indicates a professional mindset, viewing her role as a means of survival and service to a higher authority. This attitude underscores her perceived lack of autonomy and her understanding that her freedom depends on successfully completing her mission, suggesting a worldview where her identity is subordinate to her assigned role as a killer.3. Question 3
How does the chapter establish tension and suspense during the assassin’s infiltration?
Answer:
The chapter builds tension through detailed descriptions of the assassin’s stealthy movements and the stormy environment, which provides natural cover. The reader is kept in suspense as she carefully navigates the dark hallways, listening for sounds of approaching servants, and waiting for the right moment to act. The use of lightning to illuminate her target and her tense anticipation before raising her sword heighten the suspense. The sudden awakening of Lord Nirall at the critical moment creates a dramatic cliffhanger, emphasizing the danger and unpredictability of her mission, which keeps the reader engaged and anxious about the outcome.4. Question 4
Based on the chapter, what can be inferred about the political or social context surrounding the assassin’s mission?
Answer:
The chapter suggests a tense political environment where the king’s authority is challenged enough to warrant assassination. The fact that the assassin is willing to kill Lord Nirall and his wife—who appear innocent—implies that their actions or allegiances may have offended the king, indicating a backdrop of political intrigue, power struggles, or rebellion. The secretive, dangerous nature of her mission hints at a society where loyalty and treachery are intertwined, and where assassination is a tool used by those in power to eliminate threats or dissenters. The covert operation and the importance placed on secrecy underscore a fragile or volatile political climate.5. Question 5
How might the assassin’s perception of her own morality be challenged by her actions in this chapter?
Answer:
The assassin’s actions—entering a home to silently kill its inhabitants—pose moral questions about her role and the value of human life. While she views herself as obeying orders and fulfilling her duty, the act of killing innocent people, like Lord Nirall and his wife, could challenge her sense of morality. Her focus on obedience and survival may suppress any personal ethical considerations, but the scene invites the reader to reflect on whether such actions are justifiable or if they erode her sense of humanity. This internal conflict, hinted at through her meticulous planning and the gravity of her actions, underscores the complex moral landscape she navigates.
Quotes
1. “The shutters swinging in the storm winds were the only sign of her entry. No one had noticed her scaling the garden wall of the darkened manor house, and with the thunder and the gusting wind off the nearby sea, no one heard her as she shimmied up the drainpipe, swung onto the windowsill, and slithered into the second-floor hallway.”
This opening description sets the tone of stealth and danger, highlighting the assassin’s silent approach and the clandestine nature of her mission, establishing the chapter’s focus on secrecy and precision.
2. “Silent and smooth as a wraith, she moved down the hall. Lord Nirall’s bedroom door swung open with a slight groan. She waited until the next rumble of thunder before easing the door shut behind her.”
This quote emphasizes the assassin’s stealth and control, illustrating her disciplined approach to her dangerous task and the tense atmosphere she navigates.
3. “Her sword slid out of its sheath with barely a whine. She took a shuddering breath, bracing herself for what would come next.”
This moment captures the internal conflict and resolve of the assassin, highlighting the emotional and physical preparation required before executing her deadly plan.
4. “Lord Nirall was no older than thirty-five, and his wife, dark haired and beautiful, slept soundly in his arms. What had they done to offend the king so gravely that he wanted them dead?”
This passage reflects the moral ambiguity and political intrigue underpinning the chapter, raising questions about justice, loyalty, and the reasons behind the assassination.
5. “Her job was to obey. Her freedom depended on it. With each step toward Lord Nirall, she ran through the plan again.”
This line underscores the theme of duty versus personal agency, illustrating the assassin’s internal struggle and the importance of discipline in her role.