Throne of Glass, #4
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Aelin returns to the Assassins’ Keep, where Arobynn tests, threatens, and manipulates her on the eve of Aedion’s rescue. Aelin refuses to capture a Valg before Aedion is safe, while Arobynn exposes how much he knows about Chaol, Dorian, and Aelin’s fragile alliances.
Back at the apartment, Aelin and Lysandra transform old hatred into a deliberate alliance against Arobynn. Their shared grief over Sam and Wesley becomes the foundation for trust, and Lysandra offers a new angle for the palace rescue plan.
Summary
Aelin goes to the Assassins’ Keep in daylight as another test before Aedion’s rescue. The familiar house stirs memories of Sam, Wesley, and Arobynn’s violence, but Aelin maintains the careless mask of Celaena while entering Arobynn’s study. Aelin quickly scans for signs of the Amulet of Orynth but finds nothing.
Arobynn’s summons proves to be a warning. Arobynn asks whether Aelin will betray him, reminds Aelin that torture could expose him if the king catches Aelin, and demands to know why Aelin has not captured a Valg demon for him. Aelin refuses to risk Aedion’s rescue for Arobynn’s curiosity and delays that part of their bargain until after Aedion is free.
Arobynn tries to unsettle Aelin by mentioning Lysandra, Dorian’s possession, Chaol’s knowledge of it, and Chaol’s former relationship with Nesryn Faliq. Aelin recognizes the manipulation and pretends Chaol’s latest meeting with Arobynn was her idea. Arobynn finishes by confirming the rescue plans are in place, but also threatens Aelin if Aelin fails to honor their bargain.
After visiting the Royal Bank, Aelin returns to the apartment and meets Lysandra as planned. Lysandra has noticed Chaol’s watcher on a nearby roof, and Aelin explains the shadow is harmless. Aelin has read and burned Wesley’s letter, which confirmed names, dates, and Arobynn’s crimes, strengthening Aelin’s resolve rather than changing Aelin’s plan.
Aelin and Lysandra speak honestly about their past rivalry, Arobynn’s manipulation, Sam’s murder, Wesley’s death, and their shared need for vengeance. Lysandra reveals that warning Aelin was only part of the reason for coming; Lysandra wants to help destroy Arobynn. Aelin apologizes for her cruelty, and the two women accept each other as allies and, tentatively, friends.
The conversation turns back to Aedion’s rescue. Lysandra worries that Aelin’s disguise and Arobynn’s plan are not enough for a palace infiltration. Drawing on Lysandra’s talent for roles and misdirection, Lysandra proposes a way to improve the plan, and Aelin chooses to listen.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusMaintains Celaena’s mask, resists Arobynn’s pressure, and accepts Lysandra as an ally.
- Arobynn HamelThreatens Aelin, demands a Valg captive, and manipulates her with private knowledge.
- LysandraReveals her hatred of Arobynn, bonds with Aelin, and suggests improving the rescue plan.
- Aedion AshryverAbsent but central; Aelin’s imminent rescue mission is planned around saving him.
- Chaol WestfallAbsent but implicated through Arobynn’s taunts, rooftop surveillance, and hidden dealings.
- Sam CortlandDeceased; memories of his murder fuel Aelin’s need for vengeance.
- WesleyDeceased; his letter confirms Arobynn’s crimes and connects Lysandra’s grief to Aelin’s.