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    Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)

    by J, Maas, Sarah
    Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, follows assassin Celaena Sardothien as she navigates her role as the King’s Champion while concealing her true loyalties. Surrounded by political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and dangerous enemies, she fights to protect her loved ones and uncover the truth behind her past. The novel explores themes of loyalty, identity, and resistance in a richly constructed fantasy world.
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    Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)

    Chapter 36

    by J, Maas, Sarah

    In Chap­ter 36 of “Crown of Mid­night,” Celae­na Sar­doth­ien dra­mat­i­cal­ly con­fronts the polit­i­cal ten­sion with­in the roy­al court by enter­ing the coun­cil room with a sev­ered head in hand, imme­di­ate­ly cap­tur­ing everyone’s atten­tion. Her bold and star­tling entrance shifts the atmos­phere from debate to chaos, as she presents the head of a man with a famil­iar face, hint­ing at her involve­ment in vio­lent ret­ri­bu­tion. Her calm demeanor and brazen atti­tude chal­lenge the author­i­ty of the king and his advi­sors, reveal­ing her as a fierce and unpre­dictable force will­ing to con­front treach­ery head-on. This act of intim­i­da­tion under­scores her role as a dan­ger­ous and uncom­pro­mis­ing assas­sin.

    Celaena’s con­fronta­tion with Min­is­ter Mulli­son unfolds as she accus­es him of orches­trat­ing an assas­si­na­tion attempt relat­ed to Princess Nehemia’s death. She reveals a piece of jew­el­ry belong­ing to Nehemia as evi­dence, imply­ing Mullison’s guilt and warn­ing him to cov­er his tracks bet­ter. Her taunts and the pre­sen­ta­tion of evi­dence expose the web of polit­i­cal intrigue and betray­al with­in the court, sug­gest­ing that the minister’s actions are part of a larg­er scheme. Despite her bru­tal meth­ods, her words sug­gest she is moti­vat­ed by a desire to expose cor­rup­tion and pro­tect those she cares about, even if her tac­tics are extreme and moral­ly ambigu­ous.

    The chap­ter also high­lights the tense rela­tion­ship between Celae­na and Chaol, who is vis­i­bly dis­tressed by her reck­less actions. Chaol’s attempt to restrain her and his con­cern about her safe­ty reflect the com­plex dynam­ic between them, as her dar­ing maneu­vers threat­en to ignite fur­ther con­flict. Dorian’s per­spec­tive adds anoth­er lay­er of unease; he observes the trans­for­ma­tion in Celae­na, not­ing a loss of the girl he once loved, replaced by a mer­ci­less avenger. The scene cul­mi­nates with the king reward­ing her efforts, yet the under­ly­ing threat of vio­lence and pow­er strug­gles remain pal­pa­ble, cast­ing a shad­ow over the court’s sta­bil­i­ty.

    In the final scenes, Celaena’s relent­less pur­suit of jus­tice extends beyond the court. She vis­its Archer, who is injured and hes­i­tant to reveal the truth about the king’s plans. Her con­fronta­tion with him is tense and emo­tion­al, as she demands answers about the con­spir­a­cy and the move­ment behind the assas­si­na­tion attempts. Archer’s admis­sion of dis­trust and his cau­tious hon­esty under­score the dan­ger­ous and uncer­tain polit­i­cal land­scape. As she pre­pares to wash off the blood and secrets, Celaena’s unwa­ver­ing resolve to uncov­er the truth and con­front her ene­mies remains cen­tral, set­ting the stage for fur­ther con­flict and rev­e­la­tions.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What are the key actions Celaena takes during her dramatic entrance into the council room, and what do these actions reveal about her character and intentions?

      Answer:
      Celaena’s entrance is marked by her boldness and theatricality: she walks into the council room with her dark cape billowing, carrying a severed head, and then places it atop a minister’s papers. She then proceeds to walk around the table, smirking and dismissing conventional decorum, even sitting casually in an empty chair. These actions demonstrate her fearless, provocative nature and her willingness to use shock and violence as tools for intimidation and justice. Her behavior reveals that she is a complex character who is unafraid to challenge authority, and her actions serve as a calculated message to her enemies, showcasing her resolve to confront corruption and betrayal head-on.

      2. How does Celaena’s revelation about her recent actions in eliminating traitors impact the reader’s understanding of her moral stance and her role in the political landscape of the story?

      Answer:
      Celaena’s admission that she eliminated traitors to the crown, including her targeting of Archer and people connected to him, indicates that she operates in a morally gray area, taking justice into her own hands. Her actions suggest she is pragmatic and relentless, willing to use extreme measures for what she perceives as the greater good. This complicates her character, highlighting her as both a killer and a protector. It also underscores her role as an agent operating outside traditional legal boundaries, which positions her as a formidable, morally ambiguous figure within the political landscape. Her willingness to openly confront the corrupt elite reveals her as someone who prioritizes her own sense of justice over strict morality.

      3. In what ways does Dorian’s perception of Celaena change throughout this chapter, and what does this suggest about his internal conflict?

      Answer:
      Dorian’s perception of Celaena shifts from seeing her as a fierce, perhaps romanticized hero to recognizing a more dangerous, almost unrecognizable side of her. He notices that she no longer bears the warmth or the girl he once loved, instead displaying a terrifying composure and ruthlessness. This change signifies Dorian’s internal conflict—he is torn between his affection for her and the unsettling reality of her actions. It suggests that he struggles to reconcile the Celaena he admired with the ruthless figure she has become, highlighting themes of loss, disillusionment, and the moral complexity of justice. His internal conflict reflects the broader tension between personal feelings and the harsh realities of political and moral duty.

      4. How does the chapter demonstrate the theme of deception and hidden truths within the political and personal spheres?

      Answer:
      The chapter vividly portrays deception through Celaena’s falsehood about her true motives in eliminating traitors—she claims she was protecting Chaol, but her actions suggest a more complex agenda. The list of names and her admission that she took out traitors before Nehemia’s death hints at clandestine operations and secrets kept from others. On a personal level, her interaction with Archer reveals layers of mistrust—she questions whether she can truly trust him, and he confesses he needed to trust her first. The chapter underscores how appearances can be deceiving and that characters must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and hidden agendas to uncover the truth, emphasizing the perilous nature of political and personal deception.

      5. What does the ending of this chapter suggest about the future direction of the story, particularly concerning Celaena’s actions and her relationship with the other characters?

      Answer:
      The chapter’s conclusion, with Celaena leaving after her violent and provocative display, and the mention that she still has another person to visit, indicates that her actions are far from over and that she continues to operate in the shadows. Her visit to Archer signifies ongoing plans that involve manipulation, secrecy, and perhaps further violence. The chapter also hints at a growing distance and moral ambiguity in her relationships—Dorian no longer sees the girl he loved, and Chaol is visibly disturbed. This suggests a future where Celaena’s methods may become even more ruthless, and her relationships with her friends and allies could become strained or fractured. The story is setting up a darker, more complex phase, where alliances are tested, and the true cost of her actions will unfold.

    Quotes

    • 1. “What is this?” the king demanded. The councilmen and assembled lords were gaping. But Celaena was smiling as her eyes locked onto one of the ministers at the table, and she walked right toward him. And no one, not even Dorian’s father, said anything as she set the severed head atop the minister’s stack of papers.

      This quote marks a shocking and provocative moment that reveals Celaena’s ruthless approach to justice and her willingness to use fear to send a message. It underscores the chapter’s theme of justice through vengeance and the dangerous line she walks.

      2. “I believe this belongs to you,” she said, releasing her grip on the hair. The head lolled to the side with a thud. Then she patted—patted—the minister’s shoulder before rounding the table and plopping into an empty chair at one end, sprawling across it.

      This passage highlights Celaena’s calculated cruelty and her mastery of psychological intimidation, emphasizing her role as a formidable and unpredictable figure. It also illustrates her method of delivering warnings through visceral symbolism.

      3. “Cover your tracks. And hire assassins without personal connections to you. And perhaps try not to do it so soon after you’ve publicly argued with your target.”

      This quote encapsulates the lesson Celaena imparts to the corrupt officials, emphasizing the themes of deception, strategic planning, and the deadly consequences of careless actions—core concepts in her approach to justice and rebellion.

      4. “And no one, not even Dorian’s father, said anything as she set the severed head atop the minister’s stack of papers.”

      This moment underscores the tense silence and the weight of fear in the room, illustrating the power dynamics and the chilling effectiveness of Celaena’s intimidation tactics. It reflects on the broader atmosphere of political danger and moral ambiguity in the chapter.

      5. “The most terrifying thing Dorian had ever seen was the smile they shared—Celaena and the king—an unholy alliance of cruelty and power that signaled the depths of corruption and danger lurking beneath their polished surfaces.”

      This concluding insight reveals the unsettling alliance between Celaena and the king, emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of corruption, moral compromise, and the terrifying realities of wielding power in a treacherous political landscape.

    Quotes

    1. “What is this?” the king demanded. The councilmen and assembled lords were gaping. But Celaena was smiling as her eyes locked onto one of the ministers at the table, and she walked right toward him. And no one, not even Dorian’s father, said anything as she set the severed head atop the minister’s stack of papers.

    This quote marks a shocking and provocative moment that reveals Celaena’s ruthless approach to justice and her willingness to use fear to send a message. It underscores the chapter’s theme of justice through vengeance and the dangerous line she walks.

    2. “I believe this belongs to you,” she said, releasing her grip on the hair. The head lolled to the side with a thud. Then she patted—patted—the minister’s shoulder before rounding the table and plopping into an empty chair at one end, sprawling across it.

    This passage highlights Celaena’s calculated cruelty and her mastery of psychological intimidation, emphasizing her role as a formidable and unpredictable figure. It also illustrates her method of delivering warnings through visceral symbolism.

    3. “Cover your tracks. And hire assassins without personal connections to you. And perhaps try not to do it so soon after you’ve publicly argued with your target.”

    This quote encapsulates the lesson Celaena imparts to the corrupt officials, emphasizing the themes of deception, strategic planning, and the deadly consequences of careless actions—core concepts in her approach to justice and rebellion.

    4. “And no one, not even Dorian’s father, said anything as she set the severed head atop the minister’s stack of papers.”

    This moment underscores the tense silence and the weight of fear in the room, illustrating the power dynamics and the chilling effectiveness of Celaena’s intimidation tactics. It reflects on the broader atmosphere of political danger and moral ambiguity in the chapter.

    5. “The most terrifying thing Dorian had ever seen was the smile they shared—Celaena and the king—an unholy alliance of cruelty and power that signaled the depths of corruption and danger lurking beneath their polished surfaces.”

    This concluding insight reveals the unsettling alliance between Celaena and the king, emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of corruption, moral compromise, and the terrifying realities of wielding power in a treacherous political landscape.

    FAQs

    1. What are the key actions Celaena takes during her dramatic entrance into the council room, and what do these actions reveal about her character and intentions?

    Answer:
    Celaena’s entrance is marked by her boldness and theatricality: she walks into the council room with her dark cape billowing, carrying a severed head, and then places it atop a minister’s papers. She then proceeds to walk around the table, smirking and dismissing conventional decorum, even sitting casually in an empty chair. These actions demonstrate her fearless, provocative nature and her willingness to use shock and violence as tools for intimidation and justice. Her behavior reveals that she is a complex character who is unafraid to challenge authority, and her actions serve as a calculated message to her enemies, showcasing her resolve to confront corruption and betrayal head-on.

    2. How does Celaena’s revelation about her recent actions in eliminating traitors impact the reader’s understanding of her moral stance and her role in the political landscape of the story?

    Answer:
    Celaena’s admission that she eliminated traitors to the crown, including her targeting of Archer and people connected to him, indicates that she operates in a morally gray area, taking justice into her own hands. Her actions suggest she is pragmatic and relentless, willing to use extreme measures for what she perceives as the greater good. This complicates her character, highlighting her as both a killer and a protector. It also underscores her role as an agent operating outside traditional legal boundaries, which positions her as a formidable, morally ambiguous figure within the political landscape. Her willingness to openly confront the corrupt elite reveals her as someone who prioritizes her own sense of justice over strict morality.

    3. In what ways does Dorian’s perception of Celaena change throughout this chapter, and what does this suggest about his internal conflict?

    Answer:
    Dorian’s perception of Celaena shifts from seeing her as a fierce, perhaps romanticized hero to recognizing a more dangerous, almost unrecognizable side of her. He notices that she no longer bears the warmth or the girl he once loved, instead displaying a terrifying composure and ruthlessness. This change signifies Dorian’s internal conflict—he is torn between his affection for her and the unsettling reality of her actions. It suggests that he struggles to reconcile the Celaena he admired with the ruthless figure she has become, highlighting themes of loss, disillusionment, and the moral complexity of justice. His internal conflict reflects the broader tension between personal feelings and the harsh realities of political and moral duty.

    4. How does the chapter demonstrate the theme of deception and hidden truths within the political and personal spheres?

    Answer:
    The chapter vividly portrays deception through Celaena’s falsehood about her true motives in eliminating traitors—she claims she was protecting Chaol, but her actions suggest a more complex agenda. The list of names and her admission that she took out traitors before Nehemia’s death hints at clandestine operations and secrets kept from others. On a personal level, her interaction with Archer reveals layers of mistrust—she questions whether she can truly trust him, and he confesses he needed to trust her first. The chapter underscores how appearances can be deceiving and that characters must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and hidden agendas to uncover the truth, emphasizing the perilous nature of political and personal deception.

    5. What does the ending of this chapter suggest about the future direction of the story, particularly concerning Celaena’s actions and her relationship with the other characters?

    Answer:
    The chapter’s conclusion, with Celaena leaving after her violent and provocative display, and the mention that she still has another person to visit, indicates that her actions are far from over and that she continues to operate in the shadows. Her visit to Archer signifies ongoing plans that involve manipulation, secrecy, and perhaps further violence. The chapter also hints at a growing distance and moral ambiguity in her relationships—Dorian no longer sees the girl he loved, and Chaol is visibly disturbed. This suggests a future where Celaena’s methods may become even more ruthless, and her relationships with her friends and allies could become strained or fractured. The story is setting up a darker, more complex phase, where alliances are tested, and the true cost of her actions will unfold.

    Note