The Stolen Heir Duology, #1
The Stolen Heir
by Holly Black
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
In a childhood flashback, Prince Oak secretly finds Suren bound in the enemy camp, feeds her, and returns with Nightfell to cut her loose. He hides Suren in his room at Elfhame, defying Oriana’s concerns. Despite brief safety and camaraderie, guards later seize Suren and the High Queen banishes her, while Oak says nothing.
This reveals the roots of Suren and Oak’s complicated bond—kindness, debt, and betrayal—and frames Suren’s exile as a wound shaping their present mission.
Summary
Years earlier, after a failed attempt to marry Suren into Madoc’s faction, a young Prince Oak finds Suren staked in the Court of Teeth’s camp. He brings food and plays a tossing game, trading secrets. When Suren wagers for freedom, Oak fails to cut the enchanted rope in time but promises to return.
The next night, as the Court of Teeth boasts of a coming truce and the bridle, Oak arrives with Nightfell and severs Suren’s bonds. They flee to Elfhame, slipping past guards to Oak’s room. Oak’s knight challenges him, and later Oriana warns him away from the “monster child,” but Oak dismisses her and keeps Suren hidden.
In the safety of his room, Oak and Suren share stolen pie and mortal games, building a fragile trust. Suren learns there was never true peace; the Court of Teeth loses, and Lord Jarel dies. She finally sleeps without fear—until, three days later, guards seize her. The High Queen expels Suren from Elfhame, and Oak does not protest.
The flashback establishes Oak’s early courage and kindness alongside a silence that feels like betrayal to Suren, explaining their present tension and Suren’s guardedness despite agreeing to aid Oak against Lady Nore.
Who Appears
- Suren (Wren)Narrator; as a child, bound by the Court of Teeth, briefly freed and hidden by Oak, then banished by the High Queen.
- Prince OakYoung prince who feeds, frees with Nightfell, and hides Suren; defies Oriana but later remains silent at Suren’s exile.
- OrianaMadoc’s wife; confronts Oak, warns him away from Suren, shows conflicted affection and divided loyalties.
- Lady NoreCourt of Teeth ruler; keeps Suren staked, returns to camp, later loses the war.
- Lord JarelSuren’s father; participates in her captivity and boasts of truce plans; later reported dead.
- MadocWarlord allied with the Court of Teeth; his presence heightens danger as Oak rescues Suren.
- High Queen JudeReferenced as Oak’s sister; owner of Nightfell; ultimately orders Suren’s exile from Elfhame.