Chapter Twenty: The Aftermath of the Betrothal

⚠️ 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

Kel returns to the rooms he shares with Conor to find the Prince back from his meeting with the Sarthian ambassador. Conor is exhausted and defeated; Anessa has forced him to accept a betrothal to the younger Princess Luisa instead of Aimada. Kel hides his recent visit to Fausten, telling Conor he merely walked the grounds. Meanwhile, Lin waits on her grandfather Mayesh Bensimon’s porch. When he arrives late from the Palace, she expresses concern, and he invites her inside. Mayesh reveals his disappointment in the day’s events and asks if Lin has considered becoming his successor as Counselor. To test the idea, he suggests she accompany him to a welcoming party thrown by House Roverge for Princess Luisa. Lin agrees, though she worries about her wardrobe and wrestles with her secret knowledge of the Ragpicker King’s plot against the Roverges.

Key Events

Conor returns to his chambers weary and tells Kel about Anessa’s demand: he must marry Luisa, the younger Sarthian princess, or face war.
Kel conceals his conversation with Fausten, saying only that he walked the grounds.
Lin waits for Mayesh at his home in the Sault; she reflects on a similar night two years earlier when she saw him return grief-stricken.
Mayesh explains the political situation: the betrothal is a ten-year arrangement, and the Palace will repurpose the Ascension Day festivities as a celebration of the union.
Mayesh asks Lin if she would consider becoming the next Counselor to the Aurelian dynasty.
Lin agrees to attend House Roverge’s party the next evening, hoping to observe the Charter Families and make a decision.
Lin struggles with whether to tell Mayesh about the Ragpicker King’s planned revenge against the Roverges; she decides to keep silent.

Character Development

Conor Aurelian: Shows deep exhaustion and resignation. He admits he is “not a very good prince” and accepts the betrothal to avoid war, revealing his sense of duty despite personal cost.
Kel Saren: Feels guilt over lying to Conor about his meeting with Fausten. He offers comfort, letting Conor lean on him, but the secret weighs on him.
Mayesh Bensimon: Displays vulnerability and frustration. He admits he missed signs of the Sarthian plan and reflects on the Ashkar’s invisible role in the kingdom. He extends a genuine offer to Lin, hoping to mentor her.
Lin Caster: Begins to see her grandfather in a new light. Her hunger for magic and power surfaces when she considers that becoming Counselor would give her access to forbidden knowledge like Qasmuna’s book. She chooses to protect Mayesh from the Ragpicker King’s schemes.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Duty vs. desire: Conor sacrifices his personal wishes for the city; Lin must decide between her life as a physician and the political power of the Counselor role.
Secrecy and trust: Kel hides his meeting with Fausten; Lin hides her connection to the Ragpicker King. Both keep secrets from those closest to them, straining their relationships.
The weight of legacy: Mayesh sees Lin as a bridge between the Ashkar and the Hill. The framed page from the Book of Makabi hints at a faith he rarely displays.
Moonlight and reflection: Both Kel and Lin scenes are bathed in blue moonlight, symbolizing moments of quiet introspection and hidden truths.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the emotional cost of the Sarthian betrothal and sets up two key plotlines: Lin’s potential rise as Counselor and her attendance at the Roverge party, where she will likely witness the Ragpicker King’s revenge. Kel’s deception about Fausten adds tension to his relationship with Conor, foreshadowing future fallout. The chapter also reinforces the theme of invisible power—Mayesh works in the shadows, and the Ashkar are often forgotten until needed.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Conor accept the betrothal to Luisa instead of insisting on Aimada? Conor fears that rejecting the Sarthian proposal would bring war to Castellane. Although he feels humiliated and trapped, he prioritizes the safety of his city over his own honor or preferences.

2. What motivates Lin to agree to attend House Roverge’s party? Lin is intrigued by the possibility of becoming Counselor, which would give her access to forbidden magic and Qasmuna’s book. She also wants to observe the Charter Families and see if she can imagine working among them.

3. How does Kel’s lie to Conor affect the mood of their final conversation? Kel’s lie creates a barrier between them; he offers physical comfort but cannot be fully honest. Conor, already defeated, accepts Kel’s vague explanation without suspicion, deepening Kel’s guilt and highlighting the erosion of trust.