The Priory of the Orange Tree
Seventeen
by Shannon, SamanthaAfter days of quarantine, Loth and Kit are finally granted an audience with the Donmata Marosa, crown princess of Yscalin. The throne room is filled with courtiers, but Prince Wilstan is conspicuously absent. The Donmata sits beneath a canopy bearing the broken sword of Ascalon, a symbol of Virtudom, while wearing an iron mask shaped like a dragon’s head. The tension is palpable as the two Inysh ambassadors are announced, and the court reacts with hostility, hissing at their presence. Loth maintains composure, bowing respectfully, while the Donmata offers a formal but thinly veiled welcome.
The Donmata’s dialogue quickly turns provocative as she mentions Queen Sabran’s impending marriage to Aubrecht Lievelyn, her former betrothed. Her tone is mocking, and she openly questions Sabran’s ability to secure the Berethnet bloodline, a direct challenge to Inysh beliefs. Loth struggles to contain his anger, defending Sabran’s privacy and the sacredness of her role. The Donmata’s laughter and the guards’ drawn swords heighten the tension, underscoring the ideological rift between Yscalin’s draconic allegiance and Inys’s devotion to Virtudom. The exchange reveals the deep-seated animosity and political maneuvering beneath the surface of diplomatic niceties.
The confrontation escalates as the Donmata taunts Loth about his rumored past with Sabran, implying his inadequacy as a potential consort. She then commands him to dance with Lady Priessa, turning the tense atmosphere into a performative spectacle. The dance of thirty turns, once banned in Inys for its perceived indecency, becomes a test of Loth’s endurance and composure. Despite his discomfort, he participates gracefully, lifting Lady Priessa repeatedly as the music swells. The physical exertion mirrors the emotional strain of the encounter, with both characters locked in a silent struggle of wills.
The chapter culminates in a blend of courtly ritual and underlying hostility, highlighting the cultural and religious divides between Yscalin and Inys. Loth’s resilience in the face of provocation demonstrates his loyalty to Sabran and Virtudom, while the Donmata’s masked authority and mocking tone reinforce Yscalin’s defiance. The dance serves as a metaphor for the precarious balance of power, with every step and gesture laden with political significance. The scene leaves the reader anticipating further clashes as Loth and Kit navigate the treacherous waters of Yscalin’s court.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Donmata Marosa wearing an iron mask shaped like a High Western’s head, and how does this relate to the political tensions between Yscalin and Inys?
Answer:
The Donmata’s iron mask symbolizes Yscalin’s allegiance to the Draconic forces, particularly Fýredel, a High Western dragon. This directly contrasts with Inys’s Virtudom faith, which venerates Saint Galian Berethnet’s slaying of the Nameless One (another High Western). The mask’s heavy, imposing nature reflects the weight of Yscalin’s ideological shift and its rejection of Virtudom’s symbols, such as the broken Ascalon sword displayed on the canopy. This visual propaganda underscores the growing religious and political rift between the two nations, as Yscalin now openly mocks Inys’s beliefs while maintaining a facade of diplomacy.2. How does the Donmata’s revelation about Queen Sabran’s betrothal to Aubrecht Lievelyn impact Loth, and what does this reveal about his personal and political loyalties?
Answer:
Loth is visibly shaken by the news, as it challenges his emotional ties to Sabran and his understanding of Inys’s political alliances. His reaction—staring in disbelief—suggests personal investment, hinting at unrequited feelings or a sense of betrayal. Politically, he struggles to reconcile Sabran’s choice with Virtudom’s interests, as Lievelyn comes from Mentendon, a less established ally than Hróth. The Donmata’s mocking tone (“Is the Red Prince not worthy?”) exacerbates Loth’s discomfort, forcing him to defend Sabran’s privacy while grappling with the implications for Inys’s future. This scene highlights Loth’s dual role as both a devoted friend and a diplomatic representative.3. Analyze the symbolic meaning of the dance of thirty turns in this context. How does it serve as a metaphor for the power dynamics between Loth and Yscalin’s court?
Answer:
The dance, once banned in Inys for its perceived lewdness, becomes a tool of political theater. Forced participation puts Loth at a disadvantage, as he must navigate unfamiliar physical and social demands while Yscalin’s court observes. The lifts and spins mirror the power imbalance: Loth strains physically (arms aching, sweating) while Lady Priessa remains composed, reflecting Yscalin’s control over the interaction. The dance’s revival here symbolizes Yscalin’s rejection of Inys’s moral strictures and its assertion of cultural dominance. By mastering the steps, Loth demonstrates adaptability but remains subordinate to the Donmata’s whims.4. Why does the Donmata’s question about the Berethnet bloodline provoke such a strong reaction from the guards, and how does this moment escalate tensions?
Answer:
The Donmata implies that Sabran’s failure to produce an heir could unleash the Nameless One, a direct challenge to Virtudom’s core tenet that the Berethnet line keeps the world safe. Loth’s retort (“it stands between us and chaos”) is interpreted as heresy in Yscalin’s new draconic order, prompting the guards to draw swords. This confrontation lays bare the irreconcilable ideologies: Yscalin now views the Nameless One as a figure to revere, not fear. The Donmata’s amused intervention (“Do not speak ill of the Nameless One”) further humiliates Loth, showcasing her authority and the peril of dissent in Yscalin’s transformed society.5. How does the chapter use sensory details (e.g., the iron mask’s weight, the leeches, the music) to create an atmosphere of unease and cultural alienation?
Answer:
Physical discomfort permeates the chapter, reinforcing Loth’s isolation. The leeches (placed “where leeches should never be”) and the mask’s “enormous” weight emphasize bodily vulnerability under Yscalin’s scrutiny. The throne room’s acoustics—hissing courtiers, echoing mask-voice, sudden silence—create a jarring soundscape that keeps Loth off-balance. The dance’s “sprightly tune” contrasts with his stiff movements, heightening his outsider status. Even visual details like Lady Priessa’s “loose dark hair” during the dance become intrusive, reminding Loth of his performative role. Together, these details construct a claustrophobic world where every sense reminds Loth of his precarious position.
Quotes
1. “Saint… She wears the face of Fýredel.”
This whispered observation by Kit highlights the shocking blasphemy of the Donmata’s iron mask, shaped like a High Western dragon. It immediately establishes the religious tension and symbolic defiance central to the chapter’s conflict.
2. “We would hate to think that Queen Sabran would endanger our long friendship over… religious differences.”
The Donmata’s pointed remark underscores the central political tension between Yscalin and Inys, framing their conflict as both diplomatic and theological. The pause before “religious differences” makes the statement particularly loaded.
3. “Her Majesty’s heart may be a private matter, but her bed is not.”
This provocative statement from the Donmata cuts to the core of political marriages and the public stakes of royal reproduction in this world. It reveals how personal matters become state affairs in monarchies.
4. “I pray the Berethnet bloodline continues to the end of time, for it stands between us and chaos.”
Loth’s defiant response captures the foundational belief of Virtudom and the sacred importance of Sabran’s lineage. This quote represents both personal loyalty and the chapter’s central ideological conflict.
5. “Do you know, I heard tell that you were to become prince consort. Did you prove too low to love a queen?”
The Donmata’s cruel taunt reveals personal stakes beneath the political conflict, exposing Loth’s complicated relationship with Sabran. This moment heightens both the tension and Loth’s emotional turmoil.