Throne of Glass, #1
Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 39
Overview
Dorian and Celaena's flirtation becomes openly romantic when they spend the Yulemas ball dancing together and later kiss outside Celaena's bedroom. The moment deepens Dorian's resolve to be with her, but it also exposes the emotional stakes for Chaol, who watches from a distance and recognizes that Celaena is not thinking of him.
Kaltain, threatened by Celaena's hold on Dorian and trapped in her reliance on Perrington, decides that Lillian must be eliminated. The chapter shifts the court intrigue from jealousy into potential violence while turning the love triangle into a more painful conflict.
Summary
Dorian dances with Celaena through much of the Yulemas ball, ignoring court etiquette and the angry attention of other women. Celaena jokes with Dorian about his dancing lessons and the puppy Dorian gave her, while Dorian becomes increasingly aware of his desire for Celaena despite the impossible divide between a prince and an assassin.
Chaol watches Dorian and Celaena from the edge of the ball. When the drunken courtier Otho suggests that Dorian looks in love with Celaena, Chaol denies the idea but cannot stop noticing Dorian's joy and focus. Chaol concludes that Celaena is not in love with Dorian and fears Dorian may be the one hurt, then leaves the ball rather than continue watching.
Kaltain also watches the pair with rage. Though dressed lavishly in gifts from Duke Perrington, Kaltain recognizes Celaena as Lillian and realizes that Celaena is blocking her ambitions toward Dorian. With no progress made and Perrington pressing close, Kaltain decides that Lillian must be eliminated.
At three in the morning, after most guests have left, Celaena slips away and is escorted back by Ress. Celaena reflects that although she attended the ball to watch Nehemia, dancing with Dorian made the night unexpectedly joyful. Outside her rooms, Dorian is already waiting, and after they enter, Dorian confronts Celaena for leaving without saying goodbye.
Dorian kisses Celaena, and Celaena responds with genuine pleasure until the memory of Endovier reminds her of the danger and contradiction of kissing Adarlan's Crown Prince. Celaena stops Dorian before the moment goes further and retreats into her bedroom, though she allows one more kiss good night. After Dorian leaves, Celaena opens her balcony doors and savors the rush of feeling, while Dorian returns to his rooms determined to find a way to be with her.
Outside in the garden, Chaol watches Celaena on her balcony as she waltzes alone and blushes. Chaol understands that Celaena's thoughts are not of him, and the sight leaves him aching before Celaena goes inside without seeing him.
Who Appears
- Celaena SardothienAttends the ball as Lillian, dances with Dorian, kisses him, then retreats from the danger of it.
- Dorian HavilliardCrown Prince who openly favors Celaena, kisses her, and resolves to find a way to be with her.
- Chaol WestfallCaptain of the Guard who watches Dorian and Celaena with jealousy, concern, and quiet heartbreak.
- Kaltain RompierJealous courtier who sees Celaena as an obstacle and decides Lillian must be eliminated.
- Duke PerringtonKaltain's powerful patron, drunk and possessive at the ball, intensifying her sense of entrapment.
- OthoDrunken courtier who tells Chaol that Dorian looks in love with Lady Lillian.
- RessGuard who escorts Celaena back to her rooms after she leaves the Yulemas ball.