Throne of Glass, #1
Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Kaltain maneuvers for influence at court by questioning Duke Perrington about Dorian’s marriage prospects and exploiting Perrington’s anger toward Lady Lillian, whom Kaltain now sees as a rival. Perrington’s strange insistence that Dorian loving Lillian is “impossible” hints that Celaena’s false identity is tied to larger secrets and dangers.
Meanwhile, Dorian and Chaol clash over Celaena: Dorian trusts her charm and apparent contentment, while Chaol remains focused on the threat she poses. Their conversation also keeps the murdered Champion at the center of the plot, as Chaol reveals the body was mutilated in a way that suggests something far worse than an ordinary fight.
Summary
Kaltain watches Duke Perrington speak with Queen Georgina and is disappointed that Dorian has already left court before Kaltain could approach him. Kaltain presents herself carefully and suppresses her revulsion when Perrington greets her with obvious desire, because Perrington’s favor is the reason Kaltain gained access to court.
As Perrington escorts Kaltain away, Kaltain probes for information about Dorian’s future marriage. Perrington reveals that Queen Georgina has a list of suitable brides for Dorian, which alarms Kaltain because Kaltain wants to rise above her minor-lady status and get closer to the crown.
Kaltain then mentions Lady Lillian, falsely claiming that Lillian said Dorian liked her. Perrington reacts with anger and insists Lillian is not on the queen’s list; when Kaltain suggests Dorian might love Lillian, Perrington calls the idea impossible but refuses to explain why. Kaltain recognizes Perrington’s hostility toward Lillian as a possible weapon and resolves to learn who her rivals are while also finding a way to remove Lillian from Dorian’s attention.
Later, Dorian and Chaol walk to dinner after Princess Nehemia has been returned safely to her guarded chambers. Chaol says Celaena’s sparring with Nehemia was foolish, but Chaol’s own absence during the incident was inexcusable, even though Chaol had been investigating the dead Champion.
Chaol warns Dorian against growing too friendly with Celaena, arguing that Celaena remains a dangerous assassin despite her charm. Dorian dismisses the warning, saying Celaena seems to enjoy being pampered and has not tried to escape or kill anyone; Dorian also teases that Chaol may be jealous or vulnerable to heartbreak if Celaena ever flees.
Dorian asks about the murdered Champion, the Eye Eater. Chaol explains that the body was horribly destroyed, with organs and even the brain missing, and that Chaol has written to the king while continuing the investigation. Dorian tries to call it a drunken brawl, but the brutality unsettles him, and Chaol remains uncertain about what happened.
Who Appears
- Kaltain RompierAmbitious courtier who probes Perrington for marriage information and targets Lady Lillian as a rival.
- Duke PerringtonPowerful nobleman attracted to Kaltain; reacts with fury to Lady Lillian’s closeness with Dorian.
- Dorian HavilliardCrown prince who defends his interest in Celaena and downplays Chaol’s warnings about her.
- Chaol WestfallCaptain of the Guard who distrusts Celaena and investigates the grotesque murder of the Eye Eater.
- Queen GeorginaQueen whose list of acceptable brides for Dorian becomes valuable information to Kaltain.
- Celaena Sardothien / Lady LillianAbsent but central figure; discussed as Dorian’s possible attachment and Kaltain’s perceived rival.
- Princess NehemiaReturned safely to guarded chambers after the earlier sparring incident with Celaena.
- The Eye EaterDead Champion whose mutilated body deepens the mystery surrounding the competition.