Chapter Fifty-Six Summary: Crowns, Trolls, and a Soulmate Bond
⚠️ 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
Kierse finds Lorcan lounging on the Oak Throne, looking like a spoiled prince. He playfully creates a magical crown for himself and then a matching one for her, calling her his “irreverent queen.” Their banter turns serious when Kierse asks why he remains in New York instead of ruling from Dublin. Lorcan admits he is watching the Holly King, and he already knows about her plan to steal the cauldron for Graves. He warns her not to give it to him.
When Kierse presses him about his mood, Lorcan reveals a major crisis: all the trolls guarding the subway entrances have abandoned their posts simultaneously, and Men of Valor logos have been spray-painted over many entrances. He suspects the trolls have joined the Men of Valor to push for an end to the Treaty. A convocation to discuss the Treaty is approaching, and two delegates will be chosen at the upcoming Monster Con.
As they talk, the intense connection between them builds. Lorcan kisses Kierse, and their magic swirls together in a way that feels like a binding ceremony—though it is not. During the kiss, Kierse accesses a hidden memory of repeatedly opening and closing a vault. She pulls away, remembering everything, and insists she cannot continue this relationship because of Graves. Lorcan accuses Graves of ruining things, just as he did with Emilie, Lorcan’s sister. Kierse maintains that she is making her own choice and leaves, after Lorcan asks her to be careful.
Key Events
- Lorcan conjures two magical crowns and places one on Kierse’s head, calling her his “irreverent queen.”
- Lorcan explains that the Oak Throne is for the ruler of the Druids, and only he and his queen can sit on it.
- Kierse learns Lorcan stays in New York to watch the Holly King, and he knows about her mission to steal the cauldron for Graves.
- Lorcan reveals a coordinated troll revolt: all subway trolls have vanished, and Men of Valor graffiti marks their former posts.
- Lorcan speculates the trolls are now working with the Men of Valor to end the Treaty, and delegates will be chosen at Monster Con.
- The soulmate bond between Kierse and Lorcan intensifies; their kiss triggers a surge of magic that nearly becomes a binding ceremony.
- Inside the kiss, Kierse experiences a flash of memory—opening and closing a vault repeatedly—and regains awareness.
- Kierse breaks the kiss, refuses the bond, and explains she cannot betray Graves.
- Lorcan accuses Graves of killing his sister Emilie and warns that Graves is now worse.
- Kierse asserts her agency and leaves, with Lorcan asking her to be careful.
Character Development
Kierse shows her internal conflict between the powerful soulmate bond with Lorcan and her loyalty to Graves. She learns to trust her own memory and choices, refusing to be manipulated. Her decision to leave demonstrates growing independence.
Lorcan reveals vulnerability for the first time. He drops his smooth, seductive persona and appears irritated and petulant over the troll crisis. His genuine concern for Kierse’s safety—despite their disagreements—highlights his caring side. He also shows grief over his sister Emilie’s death, adding depth to his hatred of Graves.
Graves is discussed off-page, but Lorcan’s accusation that he killed Emilie reframes him as a more sinister figure. Kierse’s defense of him suggests she still clings to a hopeful view, adding tension.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Power and Sacrifice: The crowns represent the weight of leadership and the choices it demands. Lorcan’s comment “Heavy is the head that wears the crown” underscores the burden of power.
Memory and Control: Kierse’s vault memory sequence illustrates her struggle to reclaim her own mind. The repeated opening and closing symbolises her fight against manipulation and her desire for self-determination.
Loyalty vs. Connection: The soulmate bond pulls Kierse toward Lorcan, but her loyalty to Graves stands as an obstacle. The chapter questions which allegiance is more authentic—the magical connection or a chosen promise.
Unity and Conspiracy: The troll revolt represents a rare moment of coordinated action. It foreshadows larger political upheaval and the looming threat of the Men of Valor.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Fifty-Six is pivotal for both the romance and the political plot. It advances the soulmate bond between Kierse and Lorcan, while simultaneously deepening the conflict with Graves through the revelation about Emilie. The troll revolt introduces a new layer of conspiracy that will likely impact the upcoming heist and the Treaty convocation. Kierse’s regaining of memory—through the vault image—suggests she may be recovering control over her own mind, setting up future revelations.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Lorcan’s conjuring of crowns reveal about his feelings for Kierse?
He creates a crown specifically for her, calling her his “irreverent queen.” This shows he sees her as an equal partner and wants to share his power and role with her. The magic crowns are both playful and sincere, indicating deep affection.
2. How does the troll revolt affect the larger conflicts in the story?
The trolls abandoning their posts and aligning with the Men of Valor threatens the Treaty between factions. A convocation is approaching, and delegates will be chosen at Monster Con. This could escalate into a war, forcing characters like Kierse and Lorcan to choose sides.
3. Why does Kierse refuse the soulmate bond with Lorcan?
Kierse’s primary loyalty remains with Graves, despite his questionable past. She also fears that the intensity of the bond might compromise her agency—she needs to make her own choices, not be swept away by magic. Lorcan’s mention of Emilie’s death only reinforces her caution.