Nychelle in Our Vicious Oaths: Character Analysis
Overview of Nychelle in Our Vicious Oaths
Nychelle is the aunt of King Malachizrien (Malachi) and the former queen regent of the Apollyon Court. She is an Ancient fae who has lived for over ten centuries, and she raised Malachi and his cousin Trystin after the murder of Malachi's parents. As regent, she managed the court for nineteen years before Malachi took the throne, and she continues to serve as a key political advisor and negotiator. Nychelle is defined by her sharp pragmatism, her blunt speech, and her deep commitment to the stability of the Apollyon Court. She is not a warrior in the same mold as Malachi or Kadeesha, but her influence shapes the political landscape of the novel through bargains, strategic marriages, and the careful management of noble factions.
Plot Role
Nychelle's role in the plot is primarily that of a political operator and stabilizing force. She appears early in the story when she confronts Malachi about his dalliances with noble daughters, insisting that he marry to secure the court's stability. She provides him with a list of suitable brides and demands he marry within two lunar cycles. This pressure directly leads to Malachi's agreement to let her choose his bride, which sets up the later complications involving Kadeesha.
When Kadeesha arrives at the Apollyon palace after the massacre at her wedding, Nychelle intervenes in a tense confrontation between Malachi and Kadeesha. She questions Kadeesha about her mother's safety and then proposes a bargain: the Apollyon Court will retrieve Kadeesha's mother in exchange for an oath from Kadeesha not to harm Malachi on Apollyon soil. This bargain is a turning point in the narrative, establishing a fragile alliance between the two courts and giving Kadeesha a reason to cooperate.
Nychelle also plays a role in the political intrigue surrounding Cassius's challenge to Malachi's throne. She is present at the feast where Malachi publicly accuses Lady Niyarre and Lord Tareek of attempting to kill Kadeesha, and she signals the end of the challenge in the arena. Later, she is part of the group that bursts into Kadeesha's room to announce Rishaud's arrival at the gates, demonstrating her continued involvement in major events.
Motivations and Traits
Nychelle's primary motivation is the preservation and stability of the Apollyon Court. She repeatedly emphasizes the need for a secure succession and the avoidance of civil war. In her early conversation with Malachi, she argues that the cardinal bloodlines need assurance that the court is stable, and she warns that without a marriage and heir, the nobles may be swayed by the Cleric's Rebellion. This concern for long-term stability drives her to push Malachi toward marriage, even against his personal desires.
Nychelle is also deeply pragmatic. She is willing to make bargains and concessions to achieve her goals, as seen when she proposes the deal with Kadeesha. She recognizes Kadeesha's value as a political asset and seeks to turn a potential enemy into an ally. Her questioning of Kadeesha about her mother shows her ability to anticipate consequences that others overlook—she points out that Rishaud might harm Kadeesha's mother, a consideration Kadeesha had not yet fully weighed.
Her traits include bluntness, as when she tells Malachi that a king without noble support rules from a weak position. She is also protective of her family, having killed the assassins who murdered Malachi's parents and raised him as her own. She is not afraid to challenge Malachi, but she does so out of love and a desire to see him succeed.
Chronological Arc
Nychelle's arc is relatively consistent throughout the novel; she does not undergo a major transformation but rather remains a steady political force. In the early chapters, she is focused on securing Malachi's marriage and stabilizing the court. When Kadeesha arrives, she shifts to negotiating with her, demonstrating her flexibility. As the story progresses, she continues to support Malachi's reign, even as he becomes more ruthless in his pursuit of vengeance. Her later appearances show her engaging in personal relationships, such as her flirtation with Yashira, which adds a layer of complexity to her character.
Relationships
With Malachi: Nychelle is both a maternal figure and a political advisor. She raised him and has a deep emotional bond with him, but she is not afraid to criticize him or push him toward what she sees as necessary actions. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect and occasional friction, as when she scolds him for his behavior or challenges his plans.
With Trystin: Trystin is her biological son, and they share a close, bantering relationship. She often rolls her eyes at his antics, but she clearly cares for him.
With Kadeesha: Initially, Nychelle views Kadeesha with curiosity and interest rather than hostility. She questions her about her desires and her mother, and she proposes the bargain that brings Kadeesha into the Apollyon fold. Over time, she seems to respect Kadeesha's strength and intelligence, though their relationship remains primarily political.
With Yashira: Nychelle develops a flirtatious relationship with Kadeesha's mother, Yashira. The evidence shows them engaged in an intense conversation at a feast, with Yashira touching Nychelle's arm and Nychelle leaning into the caress. This suggests a romantic or at least intimate connection, though the novel does not fully explore it.
Key Decisions and Consequences
One of Nychelle's most significant decisions is her insistence that Malachi marry. This leads to the initial plan to have him choose a bride, which is later disrupted by the events at Kadeesha's wedding. The consequence is that Malachi becomes entangled with Kadeesha, which ultimately serves his political goals but also creates personal complications.
Another key decision is her proposal of the bargain with Kadeesha. By offering to retrieve Kadeesha's mother in exchange for an oath, Nychelle secures Kadeesha's cooperation and prevents immediate conflict. This bargain sets the terms for Kadeesha's stay at the Apollyon court and allows the plot to develop.
Nychelle also supports Malachi's decision to invade Hyperion lands, as seen when she approves of the plan to use Kadeesha's pregnancy to sway vassal monarchs. Her approval helps legitimize the strategy and demonstrates her willingness to use unconventional means for political gain.
Thematic Connections
Nychelle embodies several of the novel's central themes. Her role in pushing Malachi to marry connects to the theme of prophecy as a tool of control, as she uses the nobles' fears about prophecy to justify the marriage. She also engages with the theme of oaths, bargains, and binding promises through her negotiation with Kadeesha, which establishes the framework for their alliance. Her concern for the court's stability ties into power, rulership, and legitimacy, as she works to ensure Malachi's reign is secure. Additionally, her respect for Kadeesha's autonomy—she asks Kadeesha if she wants to be married at all—touches on bodily autonomy and reproductive agency, though she ultimately prioritizes political necessity.
Book-Specific Questions and Answers
1. Why does Nychelle insist that Malachi marry?
Nychelle insists because the cardinal bloodlines need assurance of the court's stability. She argues that without a marriage and heir, the nobles may be swayed by the Cleric's Rebellion, and the court could descend into civil war. She provides Malachi with a list of suitable brides and demands he marry within two lunar cycles.
2. What bargain does Nychelle propose to Kadeesha?
Nychelle proposes that the Apollyon Court will retrieve Kadeesha's mother in exchange for an oath from Kadeesha not to harm Malachi on Apollyon soil. Kadeesha counters with a self-defense exception and requests sanctuary for her squadron, and Malachi adds an oath that the squadron will never be wielded against him.
3. How does Nychelle react to Malachi's plan to assassinate the Hyperion king?
Nychelle is initially unaware of the plan and is upset that Malachi kept it from her. She questions why she is only hearing of it now, but she does not outright forbid it. She listens to his reasoning and ultimately does not try to stop him, though she is clearly concerned about the consequences.
4. What is Nychelle's relationship with Yashira?
Nychelle and Yashira develop a flirtatious relationship. At a feast, they engage in an intense conversation, and Yashira touches Nychelle's arm, which Nychelle does not rebuff. Nychelle's laughter is described as flattered, and she gives Yashira a heated look, suggesting a romantic or intimate connection.
5. How does Nychelle influence the outcome of Cassius's challenge?
Nychelle signals the end of the challenge in the arena, which allows Malachi to kill Cassius without violating ancient laws. Her signal is a crucial moment that ensures Malachi's victory is legitimate. She also supports Malachi's subsequent purges of the disloyal lord primes, reinforcing his authority.