The Folk of the Air, #3
The Queen of Nothing
by Holly Black
Contents
Chapter 7
Overview
Cardan privately reveals that Cardan has known all along that “Taryn” is really Jude, overturning Jude’s assumption that discovery means immediate punishment. Their tense confrontation exposes mutual distrust: Cardan suspects Jude may be working with Madoc, while Jude still believes Cardan’s exile and promises were cruel tricks.
Madoc’s planned rescue of Taryn erupts into an attack on the palace, placing Cardan in immediate danger and forcing Jude to consider saving Cardan for her own pardon. Instead, Madoc’s forces seize Jude by mistake, and Madoc drugs Jude into unconsciousness, shifting Jude from hidden infiltrator to captive.
Summary
Jude follows Cardan through the palace in Taryn’s guise, furious and afraid that a private search will expose her scars and missing fingertip. Jude considers fleeing through the secret passage in Cardan’s rooms and even imagines using Cardan’s desire or darkness as distractions if the guards can be dismissed.
A hooved servant collides with Jude and spills green wine, using the apparent accident to slip a sheathed knife up Jude’s sleeve. The servant whispers that Madoc is coming for “Taryn” and instructs Jude to wait for a signal, stab the guard nearest the door, and run. Jude realizes Madoc is trying to rescue Taryn, not Jude, and wonders what Madoc will do when Madoc discovers the impersonation.
In Cardan’s chambers, the guards remain outside, and Cardan’s manner changes from public severity to private familiarity. Cardan reveals that Cardan knew Jude’s identity from the moment Jude entered the brugh and asks why Jude never answered Cardan’s letters. Jude suspects a trap, but Cardan instead worries that Jude may be allied with Madoc because Cardan’s councilors reported Jude meeting an ambassador from the Court of Teeth.
Jude denies betraying Cardan but admits anger over the exile and distrusts Cardan’s promises. As Jude draws the knife, an explosion shakes the chambers, signaling Madoc’s attack. Jude rushes into the hall and sees Cardan’s guards fighting Madoc’s soldiers; realizing Cardan is in danger, Jude considers using the secret passage to save Cardan in exchange for a pardon.
Before Jude can return to bargain with Cardan, Silja, one of Madoc’s terrifying soldiers, grabs Jude and announces that Silja has Taryn. Jude tries to stab Silja but fails against Silja’s armor. Madoc appears, calls Jude daughter, presses a sweet-smelling cloth over Jude’s face, and renders Jude unconscious.
Who Appears
- Jude DuarteImpersonates Taryn, confronts Cardan, receives a knife, and is captured during Madoc’s attack.
- Cardan GreenbriarHigh King who reveals he recognized Jude and fears she may be allied with Madoc.
- MadocJude’s adoptive father; attacks the palace to rescue Taryn and drugs Jude unconscious.
- SiljaMadoc’s armored soldier who mistakes Jude for Taryn and restrains her.
- Hooved servantSecretly aids Madoc’s plan by slipping Jude a knife and instructions.
- High King’s guardEscorts Jude, then battles Madoc’s soldiers outside Cardan’s chambers.