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    Fantasy

    The Priory of the Orange Tree

    by Shannon, Samantha
    “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon is an epic high fantasy novel set in a divided world where dragons and ancient threats loom. The story follows multiple protagonists, including Queen Sabran IX of Inys, who must produce an heir to secure her queendom, and Ead, a secret mage sworn to protect her. Meanwhile, in the East, dragonrider Tané grapples with loyalty and destiny as an ancient enemy, the Nameless One, stirs. The narrative weaves political intrigue, mythology, and feminist themes across continents, blending European and Asian-inspired lore. At 848 pages, it’s a standalone tale of magic, war, and resilience, praised for its intricate world-building and diverse characters.
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    The Priory of the Orange Tree

    Fifty-Six

    by Shannon, Samantha

    In this chap­ter, Loth is occu­pied with draft­ing urgent mis­sives to the Virtues Coun­cil about an impend­ing threat, a task made slight­ly eas­i­er by Sey­ton Combe’s return to pow­er. Sabran joins him, bear­ing a let­ter from High Princess Ermu­na of Menten­don, who demands jus­tice for Lady Truyde’s exe­cu­tion and blames Sabran for the abduc­tion of Doc­tor Niclays Roos by pirates. Sabran reflects on her delayed par­don for Roos, acknowl­edg­ing her mis­take, while Loth remains skep­ti­cal of the alchemist’s char­ac­ter. The ten­sion between duty and remorse is pal­pa­ble as they dis­cuss the polit­i­cal ram­i­fi­ca­tions of Ermuna’s demands.

    Sabran reveals that Ermu­na has agreed to search the Library of Osten­deur for records on Empress Mok­wo, a cru­cial step in address­ing the loom­ing threat. Their con­ver­sa­tion takes a per­son­al turn when Loth shares Igrain Crest’s shock­ing rev­e­la­tion: Sabran’s moth­er may have had an affair with Cap­tain Gian Har­lowe, cast­ing doubt on Sabran’s legit­i­ma­cy as queen. Sabran reacts with a mix of res­ig­na­tion and defi­ance, rec­og­niz­ing Crest’s manip­u­la­tion but also acknowl­edg­ing the pos­si­ble truth. Loth attempts to com­fort her, empha­siz­ing that Prince Wilstan could still be her father, but Sabran’s intro­spec­tion hints at deep­er emo­tion­al tur­moil.

    The chap­ter delves into Sabran’s inter­nal con­flict as she con­tem­plates appoint­ing Roslain as the new Duchess of Jus­tice, despite Loth’s reser­va­tions about Roslain’s inno­cence in recent events. Sabran’s resolve to pun­ish Crest con­trasts with her tem­pered mer­cy toward Roslain, reflect­ing her strug­gle to bal­ance jus­tice and com­pas­sion. Their dis­cus­sion is inter­rupt­ed by Lady Nel­da Still­wa­ter, who reaf­firms her loy­al­ty and pleads for Roslain’s mer­cy. Sabran’s mea­sured response under­scores her grow­ing polit­i­cal acu­men, even as she grap­ples with per­son­al betray­als.

    The chap­ter clos­es with the arrival of Mar­gret and Eadaz in Sum­mer­port, sig­nal­ing new devel­op­ments. Loth and Sabran’s dynam­ic is high­light­ed as they nav­i­gate trust and for­give­ness, par­tic­u­lar­ly in their deal­ings with Sey­ton Combe. Sabran offers Loth the chance to retal­i­ate against Combe for past wrongs, but Loth choos­es mer­cy, embody­ing the virtues he holds dear. The chap­ter mas­ter­ful­ly inter­twines polit­i­cal intrigue with per­son­al rev­e­la­tions, set­ting the stage for fur­ther con­flict and res­o­lu­tion in the nar­ra­tive.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What significant revelation does Igrain Crest share about Queen Mother Rosarian, and how does Sabran react to this news?

      Answer:
      Igrain Crest reveals that Queen Mother Rosarian committed adultery with Captain Gian Harlowe, potentially making Sabran a bastard rather than the legitimate heir of Prince Wilstan. Crest claims this was her motivation for arranging Rosarian’s death—to mold Sabran into a more “virtuous” (i.e., obedient) queen. Sabran responds with a mix of resignation and quiet acknowledgment, stating, “Part of me has always known,” referencing her parents’ cold private relationship. While shaken, she remains composed, thanking Loth for his honesty and refocusing on her duties, suggesting she is grappling with the implications internally.

      2. Analyze the political tensions between Sabran and High Princess Ermuna as revealed in their correspondence. What key issues strain their relationship?

      Answer:
      Two major issues strain their relationship: (1) Ermuna demands justice for Lady Truyde’s unlawful execution, which Sabran can only offer through Igrain Crest’s execution, and (2) Ermuna blames Sabran for Doctor Niclays Roos’s abduction by pirates due to her delayed pardon. Despite these tensions, Ermuna cooperates by searching the Library of Ostendeur for records about Empress Mokwo, highlighting the fragile alliance between their nations. The conflict underscores Sabran’s precarious position as a ruler balancing justice, mercy, and diplomatic pragmatism.

      3. How does Sabran’s perspective on mercy and justice evolve in this chapter, particularly regarding Roslain Crest?

      Answer:
      Sabran demonstrates a hardening stance on mercy, stating, “too much of it makes a fool,” as she plans to execute Igrain Crest for treason. However, she shows nuance in considering Roslain’s fate, acknowledging Combe’s belief that Roslain acted to save Sabran’s life (evidenced by her broken fingers). Sabran insists Roslain will be “judged fairly,” balancing her earlier ruthlessness with a measured approach to loyalty. This reflects her growth from a queen who once relied on Ead’s counsel for mercy to one who now asserts her own judgment amid political crises.

      4. What does Loth’s internal monologue about Sabran’s relationships reveal about her character and emotional conflicts?

      Answer:
      Loth wonders whether Sabran truly loved her late husband, Lievelyn, or if her marriage was political while her heart belonged to Ead. His musings—”Had Sabran been in love with Lievelyn and turned to Ead for comfort after his death?“—highlight Sabran’s complex emotional landscape as a ruler whose personal desires often clash with public duty. This introspection humanizes Sabran, suggesting her actions (like delaying Roos’s pardon) may stem from unresolved grief or love, adding depth to her decisions.

      5. Evaluate the significance of Lady Nelda Stillwater’s loyalty declaration and its impact on the power dynamics in Sabran’s court.

      Answer:
      Stillwater’s pledge of loyalty—”You have always had my loyalty”—after her release from the Dearn Tower reinforces Sabran’s authority amid Igrain Crest’s betrayal. As Duchess of Courage, her support helps legitimize Sabran’s rule, countering the destabilization caused by Crest’s faction. Her plea for mercy for Roslain also tests Sabran’s judgment, illustrating how courtiers navigate loyalty and familial ties. This moment underscores the delicate balance of power Sabran must maintain to unify her court against external threats like the Nameless One.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The only justice I can offer for Truyde is the head of Igrain Crest. As for Roos … I should have relented a long time ago.”

      This quote captures Queen Sabran’s internal conflict between her desire for justice and her regret over past decisions. It reveals her growing self-awareness and the weight of leadership as she reflects on her handling of Niclays Roos’ pardon.

      2. “So, I may be a bastard. […] Part of me has always known. Mother and Father were loving in public, but cold in private.”

      A pivotal moment where Sabran confronts the shocking revelation about her potential illegitimacy. This quote shows her composed acceptance of a truth that could undermine her royal authority, while revealing deeper family tensions beneath the surface.

      3. “A more obedient queen. A manikin to be manipulated.”

      Sabran’s sharp retort about Igrain Crest’s intentions highlights the central theme of manipulation versus autonomy in leadership. This metaphor powerfully conveys how she rejects being controlled, asserting her independence despite Crest’s attempts to shape her.

      4. “Certain is a dangerous word, but I am as sure as I can be that everything he does, he does for the crown—and for the queen who wears it. Strangely, I trust him.”

      Loth’s nuanced statement about Seyton Combe reflects the chapter’s exploration of trust and forgiveness in politics. His willingness to trust despite past betrayals demonstrates the complex moral calculations required in governance.

      5. “The Knight of Courage teaches mercy and forgiveness. I choose to take heed.”

      This philosophical statement by Loth represents a key turning point in the narrative, as characters grapple with justice versus mercy. It underscores the book’s recurring theme of virtuous leadership and the conscious choice to embrace compassion.

    Quotes

    1. “The only justice I can offer for Truyde is the head of Igrain Crest. As for Roos … I should have relented a long time ago.”

    This quote captures Queen Sabran’s internal conflict between her desire for justice and her regret over past decisions. It reveals her growing self-awareness and the weight of leadership as she reflects on her handling of Niclays Roos’ pardon.

    2. “So, I may be a bastard. […] Part of me has always known. Mother and Father were loving in public, but cold in private.”

    A pivotal moment where Sabran confronts the shocking revelation about her potential illegitimacy. This quote shows her composed acceptance of a truth that could undermine her royal authority, while revealing deeper family tensions beneath the surface.

    3. “A more obedient queen. A manikin to be manipulated.”

    Sabran’s sharp retort about Igrain Crest’s intentions highlights the central theme of manipulation versus autonomy in leadership. This metaphor powerfully conveys how she rejects being controlled, asserting her independence despite Crest’s attempts to shape her.

    4. “Certain is a dangerous word, but I am as sure as I can be that everything he does, he does for the crown—and for the queen who wears it. Strangely, I trust him.”

    Loth’s nuanced statement about Seyton Combe reflects the chapter’s exploration of trust and forgiveness in politics. His willingness to trust despite past betrayals demonstrates the complex moral calculations required in governance.

    5. “The Knight of Courage teaches mercy and forgiveness. I choose to take heed.”

    This philosophical statement by Loth represents a key turning point in the narrative, as characters grapple with justice versus mercy. It underscores the book’s recurring theme of virtuous leadership and the conscious choice to embrace compassion.

    FAQs

    1. What significant revelation does Igrain Crest share about Queen Mother Rosarian, and how does Sabran react to this news?

    Answer:
    Igrain Crest reveals that Queen Mother Rosarian committed adultery with Captain Gian Harlowe, potentially making Sabran a bastard rather than the legitimate heir of Prince Wilstan. Crest claims this was her motivation for arranging Rosarian’s death—to mold Sabran into a more “virtuous” (i.e., obedient) queen. Sabran responds with a mix of resignation and quiet acknowledgment, stating, “Part of me has always known,” referencing her parents’ cold private relationship. While shaken, she remains composed, thanking Loth for his honesty and refocusing on her duties, suggesting she is grappling with the implications internally.

    2. Analyze the political tensions between Sabran and High Princess Ermuna as revealed in their correspondence. What key issues strain their relationship?

    Answer:
    Two major issues strain their relationship: (1) Ermuna demands justice for Lady Truyde’s unlawful execution, which Sabran can only offer through Igrain Crest’s execution, and (2) Ermuna blames Sabran for Doctor Niclays Roos’s abduction by pirates due to her delayed pardon. Despite these tensions, Ermuna cooperates by searching the Library of Ostendeur for records about Empress Mokwo, highlighting the fragile alliance between their nations. The conflict underscores Sabran’s precarious position as a ruler balancing justice, mercy, and diplomatic pragmatism.

    3. How does Sabran’s perspective on mercy and justice evolve in this chapter, particularly regarding Roslain Crest?

    Answer:
    Sabran demonstrates a hardening stance on mercy, stating, “too much of it makes a fool,” as she plans to execute Igrain Crest for treason. However, she shows nuance in considering Roslain’s fate, acknowledging Combe’s belief that Roslain acted to save Sabran’s life (evidenced by her broken fingers). Sabran insists Roslain will be “judged fairly,” balancing her earlier ruthlessness with a measured approach to loyalty. This reflects her growth from a queen who once relied on Ead’s counsel for mercy to one who now asserts her own judgment amid political crises.

    4. What does Loth’s internal monologue about Sabran’s relationships reveal about her character and emotional conflicts?

    Answer:
    Loth wonders whether Sabran truly loved her late husband, Lievelyn, or if her marriage was political while her heart belonged to Ead. His musings—”Had Sabran been in love with Lievelyn and turned to Ead for comfort after his death?“—highlight Sabran’s complex emotional landscape as a ruler whose personal desires often clash with public duty. This introspection humanizes Sabran, suggesting her actions (like delaying Roos’s pardon) may stem from unresolved grief or love, adding depth to her decisions.

    5. Evaluate the significance of Lady Nelda Stillwater’s loyalty declaration and its impact on the power dynamics in Sabran’s court.

    Answer:
    Stillwater’s pledge of loyalty—”You have always had my loyalty”—after her release from the Dearn Tower reinforces Sabran’s authority amid Igrain Crest’s betrayal. As Duchess of Courage, her support helps legitimize Sabran’s rule, countering the destabilization caused by Crest’s faction. Her plea for mercy for Roslain also tests Sabran’s judgment, illustrating how courtiers navigate loyalty and familial ties. This moment underscores the delicate balance of power Sabran must maintain to unify her court against external threats like the Nameless One.

    Note