Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 29
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 29 of “Crown of Midnight,” Celaena Sardothien races through the city streets, desperately trying to reach Nehemia’s chambers before the assassin’s threat materializes. Discarding her cloak and weapons to increase her speed, she pushes herself to the limit amid the quiet, deserted streets. Her thoughts are consumed with urgency and determination to protect her friend, contemplating who might be behind the attack and how to thwart the threat. Her mind is tense with fear and resolve as she nears the castle, knowing that time is running out and that failure could mean losing Nehemia forever.
Celaena’s strategic instincts kick in as she avoids the heavily guarded main gates, opting instead for a less monitored garden wall to make her way inside. Her physical exertion is intense, and she scrambles over the wall with silent agility, driven by the need to reach Nehemia’s room and ensure her safety. The moonlit snow and her racing heartbeat emphasize the perilous nature of her mission. Her focus is unwavering as she plans to barricade Nehemia and confront the assassin, vowing to eliminate the threat and retaliate against anyone who harms her friend.
Upon entering the castle, Celaena’s urgency intensifies, and she disregards the guards to reach Nehemia’s chambers swiftly. Her thoughts are filled with anger and determination, as she intends to deal with whoever is responsible. Her encounter with Dorian, who is present but unaware of her frantic rush, highlights her isolation and the intensity of her mission. She is resolute in her purpose, driven by her role as an assassin and her loyalty to Nehemia, refusing to let anything stand in her way. Her mental and physical exhaustion underscores the gravity of her task.
The chapter culminates in a devastating discovery: Nehemia has been murdered. Celaena bursts into the room to find blood everywhere—Nehemia’s bodyguards slain with their throats cut, and Nehemia herself lying broken on the bed. The scene is gruesome and tragic, marking the loss of her friend and ally. The muffled shouts from outside the room suggest the threat is still imminent, but Celaena’s focus is fixed on the horrific sight before her. Her grief and rage are palpable as she confronts the brutal reality of Nehemia’s death, setting the stage for her next actions in the aftermath of this devastating event.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Celaena to rush back to the castle in Chapter 29, and what strategies does she employ to reach Nehemia quickly?
Answer:
Celaena is driven by her urgent desire to save Nehemia after receiving a threat implying harm to her. Her motivation is fueled by her loyalty and the need to protect her friend from an unknown assassin. To reach the castle swiftly, she discards her cloak and heavier weapons, reducing her load to increase speed. She chooses to climb over the garden wall instead of using the front gate to avoid guards who might hinder her or alert the assassin. Her determination is evident in her physical exertion—sprinting through deserted streets, jumping walls, and ignoring pain to arrive before the threat materializes. This demonstrates her resolve and resourcefulness in a life-or-death situation.2. Question 2
Describe the scene Celaena encounters upon entering Nehemia’s room. What does this reveal about the nature of the threat she faces?
Answer:
Upon entering Nehemia’s room, Celaena is confronted with a gruesome scene: the room is soaked in blood, with Nehemia’s bodyguards lying dead from throat slashes, and Nehemia herself is lifeless, lying broken on the bed. The blood and violence indicate a brutal, targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. The scene underscores the severity of the threat—a carefully planned assassination meant to eliminate Nehemia entirely. It reveals that the danger she faces is deadly and precise, emphasizing that her enemies are willing to commit extreme violence to achieve their goal. The scene also heightens the emotional stakes for Celaena, illustrating her loss and the urgent need for justice.3. Question 3
Analyze Celaena’s emotional and psychological state as she discovers Nehemia’s death. How might this impact her subsequent actions and motivations?
Answer:
Celaena’s reaction to discovering Nehemia’s death is one of shock, grief, and fury. The chapter describes her standing in the room, gazing at the broken body, with the world slowing around her, emphasizing her emotional devastation. This moment marks a profound loss, fueling her determination to find and punish those responsible. Her grief is intertwined with anger, which might intensify her resolve to confront her enemies and seek vengeance. The emotional trauma could also deepen her sense of responsibility for Nehemia’s death, potentially influencing her future decisions and actions, making her more relentless and possibly more reckless in pursuit of justice. This pivotal moment solidifies her commitment to protecting those she cares about, even at great personal cost.4. Question 4
How does the chapter use descriptive language and imagery to build tension and evoke a sense of tragedy?
Answer:
The chapter employs vivid, visceral descriptions—such as “blood was everywhere,” “internal organs spilling out,” and the scene of Nehemia’s body on the bed—to create a gruesome, impactful image that heightens tension. The imagery of the shattered body and the blood-soaked room conveys the brutality of the attack, evoking a sense of tragedy and loss. The description of the shouts growing muffled and the world slowing down emphasizes Celaena’s emotional shock, immersing the reader in her perspective. The use of cold, stark language—like “the blood was everywhere” and “the frozen bedroom”—further amplifies the chilling, tragic atmosphere, making the scene both suspenseful and emotionally powerful.5. Question 5
In what ways does this chapter set the stage for future conflicts and developments in the story?
Answer:
This chapter establishes a critical turning point by revealing Nehemia’s death, which will likely intensify Celaena’s quest for justice and revenge. The brutal murder underscores the dangerous political intrigue and threats she faces, hinting at a larger conspiracy. It also deepens her emotional motivation, transforming her from a skilled assassin into someone driven by personal loss, which could lead to more reckless or determined actions. The scene foreshadows future conflicts with her enemies and the potential for alliances or confrontations with powerful figures, including the king and others involved in the assassination. Overall, this tragic event propels the narrative toward darker, more intense developments.
Quotes
1. “Not again. Not again,” she told herself with each step, each pound of her heart. “Please.”
This quote captures Celaena’s desperation and the recurring trauma of losing someone she cares about, emphasizing the emotional stakes driving her urgent race to Nehemia’s room.
2. “She could hear shouts from behind her, but she wouldn’t stop, couldn’t stop. Not again. Never again.”
This line highlights her relentless determination to save Nehemia, embodying her resolve to prevent history from repeating itself and underscoring the chapter’s theme of fierce loyalty and resolve.
3. “The blood was everywhere. Before the bed, Nehemia’s bodyguards lay with their throats cut from ear to ear, their internal organs spilling out onto the floor. And on the bed … Nehemia was dead.”
This stark, visceral description marks the devastating revelation of Nehemia’s death, serving as the chapter’s tragic climax and a turning point that underscores the brutal cost of political conflict and personal loyalty.