Chapter 45: Edric – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
In the king's study, Edric observes his family: his heir Kitt attempts to read while Kai, the younger prince, waves a wooden sword and Myla combs Kai's hair. The kingdom has been told a lie that Kitt's mother died in childbirth before Edric remarried Myla, making the princes half-brothers. The truth is that Edric's first wife Iris died at the hands of an Ordinary, and Edric still harbors intense hatred for all Ordinaries, viewing them as a mistake he must eradicate. He also has a forgotten daughter (the princess) whom he doomed to death and no longer thinks of. Edric's marriage to Myla has grown into a unique love, and she manages to rouse him in ways Iris never did. When Kitt beams at his father for showing rare emotion toward Myla, Edric merely nods to the book in his heir's hand and does not return the smile.
Key Events
- The princes Kitt and Kai are inseparable in the study. Kitt tries to read while Kai plays with a wooden sword.
- Myla combs Kai's hair, ignoring his irritation.
- The chapter reveals the ongoing lie that Kitt's mother died in childbirth and that the king remarried Myla to produce Kai.
- The true backstory emerges: Edric's first wife Iris (Kitt's mother) was killed by an Ordinary, and Edric has a forgotten princess daughter he abandoned to death.
- Edric's hatred for Ordinaries has deepened; he is determined to rid the kingdom of them.
- A rare loving moment between Edric and Myla occurs when she smiles at him and he smiles back.
- Kitt sees this emotion and beams at his father, but Edric coldly redirects him to his book.
Character Development
Edric: The chapter exposes the duality of Edric. He has a "stony heart" that beats again for Myla, showing capacity for love, yet he remains emotionally distant from his heir Kitt. His hatred for Ordinaries is all-consuming, stemming from Iris's death and the existence of his forgotten daughter. He is a man driven by a mission to eliminate what he considers a mistake.
Myla Rowe: Bold and stubborn, Myla contrasts with the late Iris. She has coaxed a smile from Edric after years of marriage, demonstrating her unique influence over him. She is part of the family charade, maintaining the lie about the princes' parentage.
Kitt: As the heir, Kitt craves his father's approval. When he sees Edric smile at Myla, he responds with eager warmth, only to be met with a dismissive nod. This rejection reinforces his emotional isolation.
Kai: The younger prince is carefree, playing with his sword while Myla tends to him. He is unaware of the deeper tensions.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Deception and Family Lies: The central lie that Kitt's mother died in childbirth is maintained by the entire household. This falsehood shapes the princes' identities and the kingdom's understanding of the royal family.
- Hatred vs. Love: Edric's hatred for Ordinaries contrasts sharply with the tender love he shares with Myla. This contradiction highlights his capacity for both deep affection and ruthless bigotry.
- The Forgotten Princess: The unnamed daughter represents the cost of Edric's hatred. She is a symbol of the innocent lives he has sacrificed in his crusade against Ordinaries.
- Emotional Coldness: Edric's refusal to smile at Kitt underscores the emotional distance between father and heir, hinting at future conflict.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 45 provides crucial insight into Edric's motivations and the royal family's hidden history. It confirms the depth of his hatred for Ordinaries, directly linking it to the death of his first wife and his abandonment of his daughter. The scene also humanizes Edric through his relationship with Myla, adding complexity to his character. For the overall plot, this chapter sets the stage for Edric's relentless pursuit of a kingdom free of Ordinaries, which directly threatens the protagonist (presumably Paedyn, the forgotten princess). It also foreshadows tension between Edric and Kitt, as the heir's need for paternal approval remains unmet.
Study Questions and Answers
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What is the lie the kingdom believes about the royal family, and what is the truth?
Answer: The kingdom believes that Kitt's mother died in childbirth and that Edric later remarried Myla, making Kitt and Kai half-brothers. The truth is that Kitt's mother is Iris, who was killed by an Ordinary, and that Edric also has a forgotten daughter from his marriage to Iris. -
How does Edric's relationship with Myla differ from his relationship with his first wife Iris?
Answer: Myla is described as bold and stubborn, riling Edric in ways Iris never did. Their love grew over a rocky journey, and Edric's "stony heart" beats again for her. In contrast, Iris's end at the hands of an Ordinary only deepened Edric's hatred for Ordinaries. -
What does Edric's reaction to Kitt's smile reveal about their relationship?
Answer: Edric does not return Kitt's smile; instead, he nods toward the book in his hand. This shows Edric's emotional distance from his heir and his reluctance to show affection to Kitt, despite being capable of warmth with Myla. It suggests a strained father-son dynamic that may have consequences later.