Throne of Glass, #1
Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Celaena secretly attends the masked ball in a dazzling disguise, hoping to watch Nehemia while also claiming a rare chance for pleasure. Chaol catches her but allows her to stay, while Dorian is visibly shaken by her arrival and later asks her to dance.
The chapter deepens Celaena’s uncertainty about Nehemia, who briefly appears, speaks with a deliberately heavy accent, and leaves claiming illness. It also sharpens the romantic tension among Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian, with Celaena momentarily recognizing Chaol’s worth before giving in to her desire for Dorian.
Summary
Philippa dresses Celaena in an elaborate crystal-covered gown, mask, slippers, pearls, and tiara, making Celaena feel unexpectedly princess-like. Celaena is going to the ball partly because she wants one night of beauty and dancing, but mainly because she intends to watch Nehemia after suspecting that the princess might be involved in the danger around the castle.
Celaena hides a makeshift knife in her bodice and convinces Philippa to help her bluff past the guards by pretending the Crown Prince invited her. Ress escorts Celaena toward the Great Hall, where Celaena steadies herself, tests her fragile-looking shoes, and prays she will not need to use the weapon.
From inside the ball, Dorian sees Celaena appear at the top of the stairs and is stunned by her beauty. Before Dorian can approach, Chaol reaches Celaena first and pulls her aside. Dorian, jealous and unsettled, denies knowing Celaena when a courtier asks who she is.
Chaol angrily confronts Celaena for sneaking out, but Celaena argues that she only wanted fun and points out that Nox, a thief, was allowed to attend. Chaol reluctantly permits Celaena to remain, warning her not to cause trouble. Celaena positions herself where she can watch the room, especially Nehemia, while Chaol stays near her.
After an hour, Celaena begins to feel ashamed for suspecting Nehemia. Nehemia then approaches, speaks in her thick accented common tongue despite Celaena knowing she can speak fluently, and says she is unwell and returning to her rooms. Celaena is left troubled by Nehemia’s pain, the possible warning in her accent, and the fact that Nehemia’s departure still does not prove her innocent.
With Nehemia gone, Celaena tries to enjoy the ball and asks Chaol to dance, but Chaol refuses because Perrington is nearby and because dancing would draw attention. Their tense conversation turns intimate when Celaena tells Chaol he is handsome and better than the courtiers, but Dorian interrupts and asks Celaena to dance. Chaol objects, then leaves for a drink, while Celaena’s attention shifts fully to Dorian as she accepts his hand.
Who Appears
- Celaena SardothienSneaks into the masked ball to watch Nehemia and is torn between vigilance, shame, and desire.
- Chaol WestfallCatches Celaena at the ball, reluctantly permits her to stay, and shares tense intimacy with her.
- Dorian HavilliardIs captivated by Celaena’s entrance, jealous of Chaol, and asks Celaena to dance.
- Nehemia YtgerAppears at the ball, speaks with a heavy accent, claims illness, and leaves mysteriously.
- PhilippaHelps dress Celaena and assists her deception despite worrying about the consequences.
- RessGuard who compliments Celaena and escorts her toward the Great Hall without questioning her.
- NoxAttends the ball, flirts with a masked woman, and briefly acknowledges Celaena.
- Duke PerringtonHis presence makes Chaol wary of drawing attention to Celaena.
- Queen of AdarlanHosts or presides over the ball, seated with Nehemia before Nehemia departs.