Serpent & Dove
The Guest of Honor: Lou
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with King Auguste hosting a grand ball to honor Reid for saving his family from a witch attack. Lou, the narrator, reflects on the irony of celebrating Reid’s success, as his failure would have spared her from her own dire predicament. Despite her reservations, she acknowledges Reid’s heroism, even as she grapples with her conflicted feelings about his actions. The scene sets a tone of tension and dark humor, with Lou’s internal monologue revealing her sharp wit and underlying vulnerability.
Lou’s interactions with Coco and Reid highlight her complex relationships. Reid departs to meet the Archbishop, leaving Lou with Coco, who insists on preparing her for the ball. Their banter is playful yet charged, as Coco aggressively styles Lou’s hair despite her protests. Lou’s reluctance to conform to societal norms—such as brushing her hair—showcases her rebellious nature, though she secretly enjoys Reid’s attention to it. The dynamic between the two women blends camaraderie and mild antagonism, adding depth to their characters.
The chapter shifts focus to Lou and Coco’s transformation for the ball. Lou admires her elegant gown and healed appearance in the mirror, though she envies Coco’s more striking figure. Their conversation about courtesans and beauty reveals Lou’s insecurities and pride. Ansel’s arrival interrupts their preparations, and his flustered reaction to Coco’s bold flirtation provides comic relief. Lou teases Ansel, enjoying his discomfort, while Coco revels in the attention, further emphasizing the playful yet charged atmosphere.
The final scene transitions to the group’s journey to the castle, with Coco continuing to tease Ansel, much to the amusement of the guards and Lou. The grim, imposing castle contrasts with the lively interactions, underscoring the tension between the celebratory event and the darker undercurrents of the story. Lou’s wry observations and the group’s dynamic leave the reader anticipating the unfolding events at the ball, blending humor, tension, and intrigue.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the ball being held on the eve of Saint Nicolas Day, and how does Lou feel about its purpose?
Answer:
The ball is significant because King Auguste scheduled it to honor Reid for saving his family during the witches’ attack. It marks the beginning of a weekend of celebration. Lou, however, has mixed feelings about it. While she acknowledges Reid’s heroism, she ironically wishes he had failed, as the king’s death would have freed her from her own predicament (likely a life-threatening situation tied to her scar or a curse). Her internal conflict highlights her complex relationship with Reid and her survival instincts.2. Analyze the dynamics between Coco and Lou during the preparation for the ball. What does their interaction reveal about their friendship?
Answer:
Coco and Lou’s interaction reveals a playful yet intimate friendship. Coco takes charge of Lou’s appearance, insisting on brushing her hair despite Lou’s resistance, showing she cares about Lou’s presentation. Lou’s eventual compliance and their banter (“I look divine in everything”) demonstrate mutual trust and affection. Coco’s reference to the Bellerose courtesans and Lou’s jealousy of Coco’s figure add humor and realism to their bond. Their dynamic balances teasing with genuine support, emphasizing their deep connection despite Lou’s usual stubbornness.3. How does Ansel’s reaction to Coco reveal his character and the social tensions in their world?
Answer:
Ansel’s flustered reaction to Coco—stammering, avoiding touch, and being visibly awed by her beauty—reveals his youth and inexperience with women, as well as his earnest nature. His tension reflects the strict social norms of their society, where interactions between men and women, especially those like Coco (a witch posing as a healer), are fraught with unspoken rules. Coco’s boldness contrasts with Ansel’s restraint, highlighting the divide between their personalities and the broader societal expectations of propriety versus freedom.4. What symbolic details in the description of Cesarine Castle contribute to the chapter’s tone, and what might they foreshadow?
Answer:
The castle’s description—ancient, unadorned, and looming with “bloody red light” from the setting sun—creates a foreboding tone. The “spear-like” evergreens and fortress-like appearance suggest danger and rigidity, mirroring the political and magical tensions in the story. This imagery foreshadows potential conflict or violence at the ball, aligning with Lou’s unease about the celebration and the underlying threats from witches and the Chasseurs. The castle’s grim presence underscores the precariousness of the characters’ situations.5. Critical Thinking: Why might Lou’s internal monologue about Reid’s heroism and her own survival be considered morally ambiguous?
Answer:
Lou’s thoughts are morally ambiguous because she simultaneously acknowledges Reid’s bravery and wishes he had failed, as his failure would have spared her life. This duality challenges traditional notions of heroism and selflessness. Her pragmatism (prioritizing survival over ethical ideals) makes her a complex protagonist. It raises questions about whether self-preservation justifies indifference to others’ lives and whether loyalty to oneself can coexist with love for others (like Reid). Her character blurs the line between selfishness and realism, inviting readers to reflect on morality in extreme circumstances.
Quotes
1. “Still, it felt odd celebrating Reid’s victory when his failure would’ve solved my predicament. If the king and his children were already dead, there would be no reason for me to die too. Indeed, my throat would’ve very much appreciated his failure.”
This quote captures Lou’s darkly humorous yet poignant internal conflict—her survival is paradoxically tied to the failure of her heroic husband. It reveals the tragic irony of her situation and her wry coping mechanism.
2. ““I look divine in everything.””
Lou’s defiant self-confidence shines through this quip, showcasing her signature wit and unshakable (if sometimes performative) self-assurance. It also contrasts with her later vulnerability about her appearance.
3. ““Oh, but I do.” She pushed me back down in my seat, attacking my hair as if it’d personally offended her. When I tried to wriggle away, she whacked me on top of the head with her brush. “Be still! These rats have to come out!””
This lively exchange exemplifies Lou and Coco’s dynamic—equal parts affectionate and combative. The physical comedy underscores their deep friendship while revealing Lou’s resistance to change (even in hairstyles).
4. “She’d also insisted I heal the remainder of my bruises. Another velvet ribbon covered my scar. Overall, I looked… good.”
This moment of quiet self-appraisal shows Lou’s rare vulnerability about her appearance and past trauma. The ribbon symbolizes both concealment and the care others show her, marking subtle character growth.
5. ““Might as well give them a show,” I whispered. Coco grinned wickedly and pinched Ansel’s backside in response.”
This playful interaction highlights the trio’s camaraderie and Lou’s mischievous spirit. It also serves as comic relief while subtly demonstrating how Lou and Coco navigate a patriarchal world on their own terms.