Chapter Thirty-Three: Lia Mara – Jealousy and a Plea for Help
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
The chapter opens in Lia Mara’s strategy room, where a fire warms the space and her advisors are focused on a common goal. Despite the productive atmosphere, Lia Mara is distracted by jealousy over Grey’s obvious connection with Harper – she replays the moment Harper called him “Scary Grey” and the way Grey knelt and spoke to her in a quiet voice Lia Mara thought was reserved for herself. Lia Mara muses that although Grey and Harper’s history may have been only friendship, it clearly carried meaning.
While Nolla Verin, Clanna Sun, General Torra, and Captain Solt argue about whether to attack or prepare for another magical creature, Grey notices Lia Mara’s unease. Before they can speak, Jake bursts in, reporting that Harper is with Noah, upset, and seeking sanctuary. Nolla Verin immediately questions whether Harper will provide information on the enchantress, while the army officers suspect a trap. Jake reveals that Harper wants to rescue Rhen and is asking for Grey’s help, specifically.
The room erupts in disagreement. Nolla Verin wants to interrogate Harper; Clanna Sun fears a distraction; Solt and Torra believe it could be a lure. Grey remains silent until Jake reminds him that when Grey was hurt and desperate, he went to Harper. Lia Mara whispers to Grey, asking if it’s true. Grey confirms, adding that “Harper helps anyone who needs it.” Lia Mara recalls Harper’s past kindness to her – apologizing when Rhen had taken her prisoner, offering compassion without political gain. This recollection diminishes some of her jealousy.
After weighing the risks, Lia Mara decides to let Grey go and speak to Harper. Grey rises quickly, but hesitates when Lia Mara inhales sharply – he waits for her to tell him not to go. She says nothing. The advisors raise objections about rumors and the possibility of assassination, but Grey retorts that anyone who suspects a plot can come along and see for themselves.
Key Events
- Lia Mara’s jealousy over Grey’s history with Harper is established.
- Jake announces Harper’s arrival and her request for help.
- The council debates Harper’s motives, suspecting a trap or distraction.
- Grey confirms that Harper saved him when he was dying.
- Lia Mara decides to allow Grey to meet with Harper, overruling her advisors.
- Grey invites any doubting council members to accompany him.
Character Development
Lia Mara—This chapter reveals Lia Mara’s internal struggle between personal jealousy and leadership. She acknowledges her envy but actively works to overcome it, remembering Harper’s past compassion. Her decision to let Grey speak to Harper shows growth: she chooses peace and trust over suspicion, a marked contrast to her mother’s aggressive instincts. She also asserts her authority by quieting the council’s objections.
Grey—Grey remains reserved, but his actions demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Harper. His quick rise to go to her and his hesitation when Lia Mara’s breath catches show that he is attuned to Lia Mara’s feelings as well. He is caught between two women who have helped him and two sets of obligations, yet he does not hesitate to act when someone needs him.
Harper (off-page)—Although not present, Harper’s off-page arrival shapes the whole chapter. She is portrayed as someone who gives and seeks help freely, and her request for Grey’s aid to rescue Rhen underscores her selflessness and courage.
Jake—Jake fiercely defends his sister, dismissing rumors and political concerns. His loyalty to Harper is unshakable, and he uses a personal appeal to remind Grey of a past debt.
Nolla Verin, Clanna Sun, General Torra, Captain Solt—These advisors represent the spectrum of caution and aggression. They remain skeptical of Surian motives, revealing the lingering distrust between the two kingdoms.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Jealousy vs. Compassion—Lia Mara’s jealousy is a direct threat to her leadership, yet she consciously overrides it with empathy by recalling Harper’s kindness. This internal conflict highlights the theme of rising above personal emotions for the greater good.
Trust and Its Limits—Every character wrestles with how much trust to extend. The council cannot trust Harper’s intentions; Grey trusts her because of past experience; Lia Mara chooses trust even when it is politically risky. Trust becomes a fragile commodity in wartime.
The Burden of Leadership—Lia Mara feels the weight of her decisions. Letting Grey go could be seen as weakness by her advisors, yet she insists on acting according to her values. Her choice echoes the broader theme of ruling with a moral compass rather than with force.
History and Debt—Jake’s reminder that Grey once sought Harper’s help creates a moral obligation. The chapter shows that past kindnesses can create debts that transcend politics.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point for Lia Mara’s character arc. She moves from passive jealousy to active, compassionate command, proving she can lead with heart even under pressure. It also sets up the crucial alliance between Grey, Harper, and Lia Mara against Lilith. By allowing Grey to meet Harper, Lia Mara opens the door for a joint mission that could change the course of the war. The chapter also deepens the love triangle tension and clarifies the bonds between the main characters, making future decisions more charged.
Study Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why does Lia Mara initially feel jealous of Harper, and how does she overcome that feeling?
Answer: Lia Mara is jealous because she sees the intimacy between Grey and Harper in small gestures – Harper calling him “Scary Grey” and Grey kneeling to speak quietly to her. Lia Mara worries that their past connection is more than friendship. She overcomes the feeling by recalling Harper’s compassion when Lia Mara herself was a prisoner. That memory reminds her that Harper helps people regardless of politics, and that the alliance against Lilith outweighs personal insecurity.
Question 2: What arguments do the council members make against allowing Grey to meet Harper, and how does Lia Mara counter them?
Answer: Nolla Verin wants to interrogate Harper first. Clanna Sun thinks Harper’s arrival could be a distraction given the limited time before Lilith’s deadline. General Torra and Captain Solt suspect a trap designed to lure Syhl-Shallow soldiers to their deaths. Lia Mara counters not by debating but by asserting her authority: she simply says “go speak to her” and overrules further objections. She trusts her gut that Harper is not lying.
Question 3: How does Grey’s behavior in this chapter reflect his bond with both Harper and Lia Mara?
Answer: Grey is immediately willing to go to Harper, which shows that his loyalty to her remains strong from when she saved his life. At the same time, he hesitates when Lia Mara inhales sharply, silently waiting for her to forbid him. This shows he respects her leadership and cares about her feelings. He walks a careful line between two women who both have helped him, yet he never wavers in his instinct to help those in need.