Rose in Chains
by Julie Soto
Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
Back from the arena, Briony forces answers from Toven about sacral magic, the Barlowes’ control of heartsprings, and shifting successions. She learns Cordelia was husked after killing a guard. Toven bans further Biltmore visits to avoid Canning’s elixir. Briony tests a ruse by faking elixir-lust; Toven resists. Days later, Briony confronts him at night and discovers Larissa Gains in his room, shattering fragile trust.
Summary
Reeling after the arena, Briony questions Toven at Hearst. He confirms sacral magic strengthens bonds only between willing partners, but Canning Trow’s elixir corrupts it. He details the heartsprings: many from Eversun families, some seized from Briony’s former court, and others tied to Sammy Meers. The Barlowes control silver-collared heartsprings at Biltmore; gold denotes private ownership.
Toven outlines the successors: Finn is elevated as Gidrey’s successor; Lorne Vult is poised to replace Burkin as Cohle’s successor pending a blood oath. He admits using Barlowe Girls while Briony had the pox, sparking a furious argument. They set a noon meeting.
At noon, Toven explains Mallow’s courtship of foreign officials like General Tremelo and confirms threshold magic keeps heartsprings contained. On Cordelia, he reveals she killed a guard with a glass shard; Cohle fought Carvin and husked her. Cordelia lives but without heart magic; mind magic might be possible if restored to her.
Toven refuses to return Briony to Biltmore, fearing Canning will force the elixir and increased scrutiny. Determined to keep access to her friends, Briony proposes feigning the elixir’s effects and then tests it by acting desperate with Toven. He resists and leaves, then avoids her for days.
On the next party night, Toven claims a postponement. Briony waits up and confronts him after 2 a.m. He admits attending a private gathering but blocks her from entering his room. A familiar voice reveals the truth: Larissa Gains is inside, appearing in the doorway, undermining Briony’s fragile alliance with Toven.
Who Appears
- Briony RosewoodProtagonist; questions Toven about sacral magic and Biltmore, learns Cordelia was husked, tries feigned elixir-lust, then finds Larissa with Toven.
- Toven HearstHeart magician; explains collars and successions, forbids Biltmore due to elixir risk, resists Briony’s ruse, later found with Larissa.
- Larissa GainsAppears in Toven’s room at night, exposing a personal betrayal and escalating tensions with Briony.
- CordeliaReported to have killed a guard; Cohle husked her. Alive but no longer a heartspring; mind magic uncertain.
- Canning TrowCreator and pusher of elixir that weaponizes sacral magic; a threat if Briony returns to Biltmore.
- The BarlowesEversun turncoats assigned Biltmore; control silver-collared heartsprings and rent them out.
- Lorne VultPositioned to replace Burkin as Cohle’s successor; status pending blood-oath, lacks gemstone ring.
- FinnRewarded as successor to Gidrey’s tenth seat after assisting him, surpassing his father.
- CohleFought Carvin in the arena; did not stop until Cordelia was husked.
- CarvinLinked to Phoebe’s abuse; fought by Cohle in the arena during Cordelia’s downfall.
- Jellica ReeveExample of elixir’s effects at Biltmore; her behavior informs Briony’s failed imitation.
- CecilyRented by Collin on Fridays; emblem of Barlowe-controlled exploitation.
- General TremeloForeign official hosted at Biltmore; sign of Mallow courting powers across the sea.