Chapter 27 (Chapter 25): Six Years Ago – Shifting Alliances and Political Upheaval
⚠️ 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
Briony spends the summer solstice break at Biltmore Palace with Katrina, the woman courting her brother Rory. While lounging in the garden, Katrina mentions that Toven Hearst and Larissa Gains will likely be formally betrothed by week’s end. Briony feels a sharp pang of jealousy and anger, recognizing that Toven’s flirtatious behaviour toward her was inappropriate given his commitment to Larissa. A portal opens, bringing General Meers and Briony’s cousin Finola with urgent news: Seat Pulvey of Bomard is dead. The new Seat is Veronika Mallow, who ascended through a complex maneuver with Riann Cohle. A rumor circulates that Mallow plans to ban mind magic in Bomard, which would disrupt the Eversun students attending Bomardi schools. Rory insists that Briony remain in the meeting, highlighting her value.
Key Events
- Briony and Katrina sunbathe in the palace garden; the Summer Cannon fires at noon.
- Katrina reveals that Toven Hearst and Larissa Gains are expected to become engaged.
- Briony reflects on her close partnership with Toven in elixirs class and now views his attentions as tainted.
- General Meers and Finola portal into the garden and rush to the king’s study.
- Briony and Rory eavesdrop, then are invited into the meeting.
- News breaks that Seat Pulvey is dead and Veronika Mallow has claimed the Seat.
- Finola explains Mallow’s succession: Riann Cohle killed his father, became first in line, named Mallow his successor, abdicated, and then Mallow killed Pulvey.
- A rumor emerges that Mallow will outlaw mind magic.
- Rory insists that Briony remain for the discussion, calling her ears the most useful.
Character Development
Briony – She grapples with her feelings for Toven. The revelation of his impending engagement forces her to reexamine his earlier behaviour, which now seems manipulative rather than charming. She also demonstrates growing political savvy by following the general and insisting on listening in.
Rory – He shows maturity and respect for Briony’s intelligence. By defending her presence in the war council, he signals that he sees her as an equal partner in matters of state.
General Meers – Dismissive of Briony, he represents the old guard that underestimates women in politics.
Finola – She provides critical intelligence and stands up to Meers’ speculation about Mallow’s methods.
King Jacquel – Calm and contemplative, he absorbs the news without panic, already suspecting Mallow’s reach.
Veronika Mallow (introduced indirectly) – She emerges as a ruthless and strategic player, willing to orchestrate multiple deaths to seize power.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Power and Succession – The chapter revolves around a political coup executed through legal loopholes. Mallow’s rise underscores how formal rules can be weaponized.
- Manipulation and Seduction – Briony comes to see Toven’s smiling, teasing behaviour as a form of deception. Mallow is rumored to have seduced Riann Cohle, linking romantic play to political betrayal.
- Gender and Authority – Briony is initially excluded from the meeting; only Rory’s praise grants her admission. General Meers’ annoyance reinforces the idea that women’s voices are often dismissed in high-stakes discussions.
- The Cost of Ignorance – Briony admits she hadn’t understood how inappropriate her friendship with Toven was. The news of Mallow’s coup highlights how quickly ignorance can be shattered.
Why This Chapter Matters
This flashback lays essential groundwork for the novel’s present-day conflicts. It establishes Veronika Mallow as a primary antagonist and explains why mind magic (and its potential ban) is a volatile issue. It also deepens Briony’s emotional history with Toven, showing why his later actions carry such weight. The scene with Rory defending Briony foreshadows their alliance and his eventual role as king. Without this chapter, readers would miss the personal and political context that drives Briony’s choices in the main timeline.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Briony feel angry after learning about Toven’s betrothal?
Briony realizes that the intimate attention Toven gave her—whispering, stealing her knife, brushing her fingers—was not genuine affection but a game. Now that she knows he intended to marry Larissa, those gestures feel manipulative and disrespectful. Her anger comes from feeling used and from her own misplaced feelings.
2. How did Veronika Mallow become the new Seat of Bomard?
She orchestrated a four-step plan: first, Riann Cohle killed his father to become first in line; second, Cohle named Mallow as his successor; third, Cohle abdicated, making Mallow first in line; fourth, Mallow killed Gin Pulvey, the current Seat. Because they ascended together, the line of succession below them remained unchanged, and Cohle retained his position.
3. What is the rumored consequence for Eversun students if Mallow bans mind magic?
If Mallow outlaws mind magic in Bomard, then Eversun students studying at Bomardi schools—who mind magic is a core part of their curriculum—would no longer be able to practice it. This would create an educational crisis and likely worsen tensions between the three realms.