Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 13
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter begins with an intense and harrowing scene where Chaol is overwhelmed by panic after discovering Celaena on the floor, seemingly wounded. His immediate reaction is to rip open her dress, fearing the worst, only to find that she is unharmed aside from a scratch and a sheathed stiletto. The realization that she was poisoned with gloriella—a toxin that causes temporary paralysis—shifts the focus to her recovery. Chaol’s frantic efforts involve summoning healers, securing her safety, and administering the antidote, highlighting his deep concern and the dangerous situation they are embroiled in.
As Celaena regains consciousness, her physical condition reveals her vulnerability, yet she is in her own bed, indicating she has been taken care of. Her first awareness of her surroundings and Chaol’s presence underscores their connection and mutual concern. Chaol is visibly exhausted, but his protective instincts surface as he questions her about the circumstances leading to her poisoning. His anger and frustration are palpable, especially when he learns she was investigating Davis and was caught in dangerous circumstances, which she admits to. Their exchange reveals a complex mix of trust, secrecy, and the risks they are willing to take.
Chaol’s protective stance is further emphasized as he insists that she keep quiet about what happened, warning her of the consequences if she repeats such risky behavior. His anger is tempered by genuine concern for her well-being, and he threatens to imprison her if she endangers herself again. Despite his frustration, he shows a softer side when he acknowledges how badly she looked and the danger she was in, especially after her ordeal with the poison and the subsequent medical treatment. Their interaction underscores the tension between her independence and the protective instincts that Chaol cannot suppress.
In the final moments, Celaena reflects on her experience, feeling disoriented but safe, having escaped the worst of her ordeal. Chaol’s exhaustion and the physical toll of the events are evident, and his vigilance remains as he keeps watch over her through the night. The chapter concludes with a sense of fragile safety, as Celaena’s recovery begins and the danger she faced becomes clearer. Their shared vulnerability hints at the ongoing threats and the complex dynamics of trust and loyalty shaping their relationship in the midst of peril.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What specific event triggers Chaol’s panic upon discovering Celaena injured, and how does he initially react?
Answer:
Chaol’s panic is triggered when he finds Celaena lying on the floor of his office, covered in blood, with no visible entry wounds. His initial reaction is one of utter loss and horror; he loses his composure, shuts the door, and frantically rips open her dress with his knife to look for injuries. His panic is driven by the fear that she has been seriously harmed or worse. However, upon discovering only a sheathed stiletto and a scratch on her arm, he realizes she has been poisoned with gloriella, a paralysis poison, which alleviates his initial fears of fatal injury. This moment underscores his deep concern and the intense emotional response to her condition.2. Question 2
How does Chaol’s attitude toward Celaena’s actions and the subsequent cover-up reflect his internal conflict and sense of responsibility?
Answer:
Chaol’s attitude reveals a complex mix of concern, loyalty, and internal conflict. He is furious and worried about her safety, as shown when he warns her that he will throw her in the dungeons if she repeats such reckless behavior. Despite his anger, he chooses to cover for her by keeping her secret from the king and burning her dress, demonstrating his loyalty and a sense of responsibility to protect her. He recognizes the danger she is in but also understands her need to act covertly. His decision to shield her indicates that he values her life and safety over strict adherence to rules, highlighting his internal struggle between duty and personal loyalty.3. Question 3
In what ways does Celaena’s physical condition upon waking reflect the severity of her poisoning and the emotional toll of her experience?
Answer:
Celaena’s physical state—dry mouth, pounding head, dizziness, and stomach pain—directly reflects the severity of the gloriella poisoning. The poison caused her to be paralyzed temporarily and made her sick afterward, requiring antidotes and medical attention. Her inability to remember much of what happened emphasizes her disorientation and the traumatic impact of the event. The fact that she recognizes her surroundings and sees Chaol watching over her provides a sense of safety, but her weakened state underscores the danger she was in and the emotional toll of her ordeal—fear, vulnerability, and the stress of surviving a deadly attack.4. Question 4
Analyze Chaol’s reaction to Celaena’s admission that she killed Davis. What does his response reveal about his character and their relationship?
Answer:
Chaol’s reaction—his initial concern, questioning, and subsequent decision to keep her secret—reveals his protective nature and strong sense of loyalty. His question about whether she killed Davis because she was snooping suggests suspicion but also an understanding of her motives. His decision not to report her actions to the king indicates a deep trust and a desire to shield her from further danger or punishment. His anger is more directed at the emotional shock she caused him, rather than her moral choice, showing that he cares deeply for her well-being. This reaction underscores a complex bond rooted in trust, concern, and a shared understanding of the dangerous world they inhabit.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s events, what themes are highlighted regarding loyalty, danger, and the moral complexities faced by the characters?
Answer:
This chapter highlights themes of loyalty, as seen in Chaol’s decision to cover for Celaena and protect her from repercussions. The danger is palpable, with poisonings, secret investigations, and the threat of imprisonment or worse looming over the characters. The moral complexities are evident in Celaena’s actions—she resorted to killing Davis to uncover the truth, raising questions about the morality of her choices under pressure. Chaol’s protective stance and her willingness to take deadly actions reflect the difficult balance between personal loyalty, moral integrity, and survival in a treacherous political environment. The chapter underscores that characters often operate in moral gray areas, driven by loyalty and necessity rather than clear-cut right or wrong.
Quotes
-
1. “It was one of the longest nights of Chaol’s life.”
This opening line immediately immerses the reader in the tension and emotional weight of the scene, setting the tone for a night filled with danger, fear, and urgency.
2. “A poison used to temporarily paralyze victims.”
This concise explanation of gloriella introduces a critical concept in the chapter, highlighting the dangerous and deceptive nature of the poison that nearly cost Celaena her life.
3. “Beyond his anger, there was enough lingering fear in his eyes that she winced.”
This quote reveals the depth of Chaol’s concern and vulnerability, illustrating that beneath his tough exterior lies genuine worry for Celaena’s safety, emphasizing the emotional stakes of the scene.
4. “She’d hardly known where she was going while the gloriella tore through her; all she’d known was that she had to get someplace safe.”
This line underscores the chaos and desperation of Celaena’s experience, emphasizing the instinct to seek safety in moments of extreme peril.
5. “And somehow, she had wound up exactly where she knew she’d be safest.”
This closing reflection highlights the theme of trust and instinct, suggesting that despite the chaos, Celaena’s subconscious guided her to a place of safety, reinforcing her resilience and awareness.
Quotes
1. “It was one of the longest nights of Chaol’s life.”
This opening line immediately immerses the reader in the tension and emotional weight of the scene, setting the tone for a night filled with danger, fear, and urgency.
2. “A poison used to temporarily paralyze victims.”
This concise explanation of gloriella introduces a critical concept in the chapter, highlighting the dangerous and deceptive nature of the poison that nearly cost Celaena her life.
3. “Beyond his anger, there was enough lingering fear in his eyes that she winced.”
This quote reveals the depth of Chaol’s concern and vulnerability, illustrating that beneath his tough exterior lies genuine worry for Celaena’s safety, emphasizing the emotional stakes of the scene.
4. “She’d hardly known where she was going while the gloriella tore through her; all she’d known was that she had to get someplace safe.”
This line underscores the chaos and desperation of Celaena’s experience, emphasizing the instinct to seek safety in moments of extreme peril.
5. “And somehow, she had wound up exactly where she knew she’d be safest.”
This closing reflection highlights the theme of trust and instinct, suggesting that despite the chaos, Celaena’s subconscious guided her to a place of safety, reinforcing her resilience and awareness.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. Question 1
What specific event triggers Chaol’s panic upon discovering Celaena injured, and how does he initially react?
Answer:
Chaol’s panic is triggered when he finds Celaena lying on the floor of his office, covered in blood, with no visible entry wounds. His initial reaction is one of utter loss and horror; he loses his composure, shuts the door, and frantically rips open her dress with his knife to look for injuries. His panic is driven by the fear that she has been seriously harmed or worse. However, upon discovering only a sheathed stiletto and a scratch on her arm, he realizes she has been poisoned with gloriella, a paralysis poison, which alleviates his initial fears of fatal injury. This moment underscores his deep concern and the intense emotional response to her condition.
2. Question 2
How does Chaol’s attitude toward Celaena’s actions and the subsequent cover-up reflect his internal conflict and sense of responsibility?
Answer:
Chaol’s attitude reveals a complex mix of concern, loyalty, and internal conflict. He is furious and worried about her safety, as shown when he warns her that he will throw her in the dungeons if she repeats such reckless behavior. Despite his anger, he chooses to cover for her by keeping her secret from the king and burning her dress, demonstrating his loyalty and a sense of responsibility to protect her. He recognizes the danger she is in but also understands her need to act covertly. His decision to shield her indicates that he values her life and safety over strict adherence to rules, highlighting his internal struggle between duty and personal loyalty.
3. Question 3
In what ways does Celaena’s physical condition upon waking reflect the severity of her poisoning and the emotional toll of her experience?
Answer:
Celaena’s physical state—dry mouth, pounding head, dizziness, and stomach pain—directly reflects the severity of the gloriella poisoning. The poison caused her to be paralyzed temporarily and made her sick afterward, requiring antidotes and medical attention. Her inability to remember much of what happened emphasizes her disorientation and the traumatic impact of the event. The fact that she recognizes her surroundings and sees Chaol watching over her provides a sense of safety, but her weakened state underscores the danger she was in and the emotional toll of her ordeal—fear, vulnerability, and the stress of surviving a deadly attack.
4. Question 4
Analyze Chaol’s reaction to Celaena’s admission that she killed Davis. What does his response reveal about his character and their relationship?
Answer:
Chaol’s reaction—his initial concern, questioning, and subsequent decision to keep her secret—reveals his protective nature and strong sense of loyalty. His question about whether she killed Davis because she was snooping suggests suspicion but also an understanding of her motives. His decision not to report her actions to the king indicates a deep trust and a desire to shield her from further danger or punishment. His anger is more directed at the emotional shock she caused him, rather than her moral choice, showing that he cares deeply for her well-being. This reaction underscores a complex bond rooted in trust, concern, and a shared understanding of the dangerous world they inhabit.
5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s events, what themes are highlighted regarding loyalty, danger, and the moral complexities faced by the characters?
Answer:
This chapter highlights themes of loyalty, as seen in Chaol’s decision to cover for Celaena and protect her from repercussions. The danger is palpable, with poisonings, secret investigations, and the threat of imprisonment or worse looming over the characters. The moral complexities are evident in Celaena’s actions—she resorted to killing Davis to uncover the truth, raising questions about the morality of her choices under pressure. Chaol’s protective stance and her willingness to take deadly actions reflect the difficult balance between personal loyalty, moral integrity, and survival in a treacherous political environment. The chapter underscores that characters often operate in moral gray areas, driven by loyalty and necessity rather than clear-cut right or wrong.
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