The Priory of the Orange Tree
Twenty-Six
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Queen Sabran preparing for her first public appearance in fourteen years, a royal progress to Ascalon that has stirred excitement across Inys. Ead Duryan, one of her ladies-in-waiting, discreetly arms herself with hidden blades, hinting at underlying tensions. The queen’s attire—midnight velvet and a sword-shaped brooch—is carefully chosen to evoke her late mother, Queen Rosarian, and to project regal divinity. Sabran’s sleeplessness and quiet demeanor reveal her anxiety about facing the public after years of seclusion, while Ead’s gentle combing of her hair offers a rare moment of solace.
As Sabran’s ladies-in-waiting adorn her with jewels and a silver crown, the queen’s emotional vulnerability surfaces. She confides in Ead about her wish to announce her pregnancy but hesitates due to medical advice. Their intimate exchange, culminating in Sabran grasping Ead’s hand, underscores their deepening bond. The queen’s nostalgia is further evoked when Roslain gifts her a sapphire-and-pearl necklace from her mother, symbolizing the weight of legacy. Sabran’s final question—“How do I look?”—reflects her need for reassurance before stepping into the public eye.
The procession departs under a clear blue sky, with Sabran escorted by her husband, Aubrecht Lievelyn, and the Dukes Spiritual. Ead remains vigilant, suspecting that the unresolved threat of assassins could strike during the event. Lord Eller’s unease contrasts with Seyton Combe’s confidence, highlighting political tensions within the court. Ead’s frustration over her inability to investigate the cutthroats adds urgency to the scene, as the royal party ventures into Ascalon’s bustling streets.
The chapter concludes with a glimpse of Ascalon’s history, once a paradise founded by Galian the Saint but now marred by crime and decay. The city’s stone architecture, a legacy of fire-prevention laws, stands as a metaphor for Inys’s resilience and decline. Ead’s observations as she rides through the capital underscore the contrast between its idealized past and gritty reality, setting the stage for the queen’s encounter with her people—a moment fraught with both hope and danger.
FAQs
1. What preparations does Ead make before accompanying Queen Sabran to Ascalon, and what does this reveal about her role and concerns?
Answer:
Ead carefully conceals multiple blades beneath her clothing—two under her skirts, one behind her stomacher, and another in her boot—while only displaying the ornamental dagger required of Ladies of the Bedchamber. This preparation highlights her dual role as both a lady-in-waiting and a covert protector. Her actions suggest deep concern for Sabran’s safety, particularly given the unresolved threat of assassins (“cutthroats”) mentioned earlier in the chapter. Ead’s vigilance underscores the tension surrounding the queen’s public appearance and Ead’s personal commitment to safeguarding her.2. How does the chapter portray Sabran’s emotional state before her public appearance, and what significance does her interaction with Ead hold?
Answer:
Sabran is visibly tense and sleep-deprived, standing “like a stanchion” with raw eyes. Her vulnerability emerges when Ead combs her hair, as she gradually relaxes under the tactile care and even compliments Ead—a rare moment of warmth. Their interaction becomes intimate when Sabran takes Ead’s hand and questions how she always knows how to comfort her. This moment reveals Sabran’s dependence on Ead’s emotional support and hints at a deepening bond between them, contrasting with the queen’s usual stoicism. The interrupted exchange also foreshadows potential romantic or platonic tension.3. Analyze the symbolic importance of Sabran’s attire and jewelry for her public appearance. How do these choices connect to her lineage and role as queen?
Answer:
Sabran’s midnight velvet gown, carnelian girdle, and bodmin fur stole deliberately evoke memories of her mother, Queen Rosarian, who favored blue. This styling reinforces her legitimacy as Rosarian’s heir and visually links her to a beloved predecessor. The sword-shaped brooch (honoring the Saint as her patron) and the seahorse pendant (a gift from her mother) serve as dual symbols of her sacred and personal authority. By dressing her as both regal and divine, her ladies-in-waiting craft an image that balances approachability (“walking among the people”) with the mystique of her bloodline, crucial for bolstering public loyalty.4. What tensions or conflicts are hinted at among the queen’s retinue, and how might these impact future events?
Answer:
Several conflicts simmer beneath the surface: Seyton Combe’s smugness irritates Ead, who suspects his incompetence regarding the assassin threat, while Lord Eller openly distrusts the commons’ safety. Igrain Crest’s effusive praise for Roslain contrasts with her more reserved demeanor, suggesting potential favoritism or political maneuvering. These tensions—between protectors and advisors, skepticism and confidence—foreshadow potential crises during the public outing. The unresolved threat of violence (“If the killers were to strike again, it would be today”) casts a shadow over the procession, implying that these interpersonal rifts could escalate under pressure.5. How does the chapter’s depiction of Ascalon’s history reflect the broader themes of the novel’s worldbuilding?
Answer:
The description of Ascalon as a once-“paradise” now “rife with knavery and filth” mirrors the decay of Galian’s idealized legacy. The city’s unification under his crown parallels Sabran’s struggle to maintain unity in Virtudom, while the fire-safety laws (banning thatched roofs after the Grief of Ages) show how trauma shapes societal norms. This historical context underscores a central theme: the gap between mythic pasts and flawed realities. By framing Ascalon as a microcosm of Inys’ triumphs and failures, the chapter invites reflection on how Sabran’s reign might restore—or further erode—the Saint’s vision.
Quotes
1. “For her first public appearance since her coronation, the ladies-in-waiting had to make the queen more than beautiful. They had to make her divine.”
This quote highlights the immense pressure on Queen Sabran’s public image and the symbolic importance of her appearance. It underscores how her role transcends mere royalty, requiring an almost sacred presentation to her people.
2. “She alone, in all Virtudom, took the Saint himself as her patron.”
This line emphasizes Sabran’s unique religious and political position, setting her apart as a direct inheritor of Galian Berethnet’s legacy. It speaks to her special status in the kingdom’s spiritual hierarchy.
3. “Tell me, Ead, how is it you always know what to say to comfort me?”
This intimate moment reveals the growing emotional connection between Sabran and Ead, showing the queen’s vulnerability and Ead’s unique ability to provide solace amidst royal pressures.
4. “Ascalon was the first and only capital of Inys. Its cobbled streets were home to thousands of people from all corners of Virtudom and beyond.”
This description provides important world-building context about the capital city’s historical significance and diverse population, while hinting at the tension between its idealized past and present reality.
5. “If the killers were to strike again, it would be today.”
This ominous thought from Ead creates suspense about potential threats during the royal procession, reminding readers of the underlying danger that contrasts with the ceremonial splendor.