Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 17
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 17, Chaol is acutely aware of Celaena’s foul mood during the royal ball, though she remains uncharacteristically rebellious by not hiding in the shadows as instructed. From his concealed vantage point, he observes her leaning against a pillar, dagger at her side, with evident frustration and boredom. The opulent setting of the ball, decorated in icy hues in honor of Hollin, contrasts sharply with the tension beneath the surface. Chaol reflects on the nature of Hollin’s future, worried that his spoiled innocence could evolve into cruelty, and contemplates the delicate balance of power and morality that Dorian and he must maintain once Hollin becomes king.
The scene shifts to Dorian, who is engaging in courtly dance, fulfilling his royal duties with grace and charm, oblivious to Chaol’s concern about Hollin’s potential for corruption. Chaol’s attention is divided between the lively festivities and the increasing unease that Celaena has abandoned her post. His internal conflict grows as he considers the rules being broken—Celaena’s departure from her guard duties—highlighting her reluctance to conform and her desire for freedom, even if it means risking her position. Despite the formal environment, chaos lurks beneath the surface, and Chaol’s vigilance remains sharp as he worries about her safety.
Outside the ballroom, Chaol finds Celaena dancing alone, a rebellious act that underscores her boredom and frustration. Her sharp tongue reveals her annoyance at being made to attend the event and her disdain for the superficial courtship around her. Her playful yet bitter comments expose her desire for normalcy and her aversion to the political machinations she’s forced to witness. Chaol’s mixed feelings surface as he observes her, torn between his duty and his empathy for her longing to escape the constraints of her role. Their interaction reveals a complex dynamic of tension, unspoken feelings, and mutual understanding.
Ultimately, Celaena’s candid vulnerability prompts Chaol to break the rules himself, offering her a chance to dance with him. Her initial surprise and hesitation contrast with the quiet, moonlit moment that follows. This act of defiance and connection symbolizes a fragile, shared moment of rebellion against their circumstances. Chaol’s gesture underscores the emotional undercurrents running through their relationship—conflicted loyalty, unspoken desire, and the hope for a rare moment of genuine freedom amid the political and personal chaos they face. The chapter ends with the unspoken invitation to dance, hinting at deeper complexities beneath their outward composure.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What does Chaol’s reaction to Celaena’s mood and her departure from her post reveal about his character and his relationship with her?
Answer:
Chaol’s reaction demonstrates his sense of responsibility and concern for Celaena’s well-being, as well as his strict adherence to rules and duty. He is visibly worried when he notices her foul mood and her absence from her assigned post, which indicates he cares about her safety and the stability of their mission. His internal conflict is evident when he struggles between following orders and his instinct to ensure she is safe. Additionally, his decision to confront her outside the ballroom shows a mixture of frustration and protectiveness, hinting at a deeper, possibly complicated relationship. His desire to have a “long chat” about her breaking rules suggests he values discipline but also cares enough to want to address underlying issues.2. Question 2
How does Celaena’s behavior during the garden scene reflect her personality and emotional state?
Answer:
Celaena’s actions—dancing alone, complaining about boredom and cold, and babbling about her frustrations—highlight her rebellious, spirited nature and her desire for normalcy and freedom from her assassin duties. Her playful act of waltzing with herself and her candid admission of being bored and cold reveal her tendency to express her emotions openly, even if it’s through sarcasm or humor. Her emotional state appears conflicted; she longs for a moment of escape from her harsh reality and responsibilities, which is why she seeks to dance and forget everything for a brief moment. Her bitterness about her circumstances and her jealousy of others enjoying themselves indicate a deeper sense of longing for connection and normal life, contrasting with her tough exterior as an assassin.3. Question 3
What is the significance of Chaol’s invitation to dance at the end of the chapter, and what might it imply about his feelings toward Celaena?
Answer:
Chaol’s invitation to dance symbolizes a desire to connect with Celaena on a more personal level beyond their usual roles as protector and assassin. It signifies a moment of vulnerability and a willingness to bridge the emotional distance between them. His gesture, holding out his hand, is an act of trust and perhaps an attempt to comfort or reassure her, acknowledging her need for a brief escape from her burdens. The moonlit setting and his golden eyes, as described, add romantic undertones, hinting at deeper feelings or a longing for intimacy. This moment suggests that Chaol may be developing complex emotions toward Celaena, blending concern, admiration, and possibly affection, which could influence their relationship moving forward.4. Question 4
Analyze the chapter’s depiction of social and political dynamics at the royal ball. How do these scenes reflect the underlying themes of power, duty, and personal desire?
Answer:
The royal ball scene vividly portrays the contrast between outward appearances of elegance and underlying tensions. Hollin’s spoiled behavior and the opulent decorations emphasize the theme of privilege and power, while Chaol’s concern about Hollin’s future corruption hints at the darker aspects of leadership and responsibility. Dorian’s graceful dancing and politeness reflect his role as a future ruler who must balance personal desires with duty. Meanwhile, Celaena’s outsider perspective reveals her disillusionment with the superficiality of court life; she observes the courtiers’ flirtations and social obligations with a mixture of disdain and longing. These scenes underscore the tension between personal desires—like Celaena’s wish for normalcy—and the demands of duty and power, illustrating how characters navigate societal expectations and their own inner conflicts.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s events, what can be inferred about Celaena’s internal struggles and her motivations for seeking brief moments of escape?
Answer:
Celaena’s internal struggles revolve around her desire for normalcy, her frustrations with her role as an assassin, and her feelings of isolation. Her need to dance alone and her candidness about boredom and cold suggest she craves moments of freedom where she isn’t bound by duty or danger. Her rebellious act of dancing with herself indicates her longing to reclaim some control over her life and emotions. Her bitterness and sarcasm reveal her deep-seated frustration with her circumstances and her yearning for a simpler, happier existence. These brief escapes serve as a form of self-preservation, allowing her to momentarily forget her burdens and reconnect with her humanity, even if just for a fleeting moment. The chapter portrays her as a complex character torn between duty and personal desire, seeking solace in small acts of rebellion and normalcy.
Quotes
1. “Even in the moonlight, he could see her scowl. ‘I’m bored to tears and nearly dead with cold,’ she said, dropping her cloak.”
This quote highlights Celaena’s frustration and her desire for normalcy amidst the formal and tense atmosphere of the royal ball. It underscores her rebellious spirit and emotional vulnerability, setting the tone for her character’s internal conflict.
2. “She was babbling, and her face was dark enough for him to know she was beyond mortified that he’d caught her. He bit his lip to keep from smiling and walked down the four steps to the gravel path of the garden. ‘You’re the greatest assassin in Erilea, and yet you can’t stand watch for a few hours?’”
This passage reveals the contrast between Celaena’s formidable skills and her discomfort with mundane or traditional duties, emphasizing her complex personality—both deadly and relatable. It also marks a moment of playful teasing that hints at their evolving relationship.
3. “Dance with me,” he said, and held out his hand to her.”
This is a pivotal moment of vulnerability and connection between Chaol and Celaena. It symbolizes a potential shift from discipline to genuine intimacy, capturing a rare moment of softness in the chapter amidst tension and rebellion.
4. “She sighed loudly and studied the moon. It was so bright it drowned out the stars. ‘I heard the music and I just wanted to dance for a few minutes. To just … forget everything for one waltz and pretend to be a normal girl.’”
This quote encapsulates Celaena’s longing for a moment of escape and normalcy, revealing her deeper desire to forget her burdens and experience fleeting joy, which contrasts with her assassin persona.
5. “He’d managed to stay on this side of it last night, even though seeing her cry during Rena Goldsmith’s song had stirred him so bone deep it was like he’d found a part of him he hadn’t even realized was missing.”
This introspective remark highlights Chaol’s growing emotional awareness and the subtle shift in their relationship, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of unspoken feelings and internal conflict.