Throne of Glass, #4
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 44
Overview
Arobynn believes he has enslaved Aelin with a Wyrdstone ring, but Aelin reveals the ring is a fake and that his attempt to control her was the final proof she needed that he cannot be redeemed. Aelin and Rowan confirm the Amulet of Orynth is the true Wyrdkey and hide it, while the emotional strain of Arobynn’s betrayal exposes both Aelin’s dependence on Rowan and the fragile, unresolved desire between them.
Aelin chooses not to kill Arobynn herself, instead granting that justice to Lysandra, whose history of exploitation makes the act deeply personal. Lysandra murders Arobynn in his sleep, ending his threat and closing a major chapter of control over both women.
Summary
Arobynn slips a Wyrdstone ring onto Aelin’s finger, uses her blood, and commands her as though she is now enslaved to his will. Aelin obeys his orders, tells him she came back to kill the king and prince, and says she loves Arobynn Hamel. Satisfied, Arobynn sends Aelin home and tells her to return the next morning for their plans for Terrasen and Adarlan.
In the carriage and back at the warehouse, Rowan and Aedion are horrified by Aelin’s apparent blank obedience. Once Arobynn’s carriage leaves, Aelin removes the ring and reveals the trap: the ring is a fake made by Lysandra’s jeweler, while the real Valg ring was taken from the commander’s severed finger. Aelin explains that she arranged for the commander to mislead Arobynn so she could learn whether Arobynn was truly irredeemable, and Arobynn’s attempt to control her proves that he is.
In Aelin’s room, Aelin and Rowan examine the Amulet of Orynth, confirming it is the real Wyrdkey. They discuss the Wyrdmarks on it, including Brannon’s mark, and Aelin hides the amulet beneath a floorboard while placing a replica on her vanity as a decoy. When Aelin handles the key near Rowan, she briefly feels Rowan’s essence through their bond, suggesting the key or their connection may have strange potential, though Aelin worries about corruption and control.
Later, Rowan finds Aelin standing on the roof in the rain, facing the Assassins’ Keep. Aelin admits she has given Lysandra the right to kill Arobynn because Lysandra deserves it most, and Chaol is ensuring the plan proceeds. Aelin feels hollow rather than triumphant, torn between Arobynn’s cruelty and the fact that he once saved her life, while Rowan comforts her and agrees to seek Lorcan the next day regarding the task tied to freeing magic.
The intimacy between Aelin and Rowan deepens as Aelin touches Rowan’s face and acknowledges her desire for him. Rowan abruptly pulls away and tells Aelin not to touch him that way, leaving Aelin humiliated and shaken. Aelin interprets Rowan’s rejection as a boundary shaped by his age, immortality, past mate, and their bond as queen and carranam.
The chapter shifts to Lysandra in Arobynn’s bed during the storm. Aelin’s note has given Lysandra permission with three words: He’s all yours. Remembering Arobynn’s abuse, Wesley’s murder, and Arobynn’s plans to target Rowan, Lysandra takes the stiletto from beneath Arobynn’s pillow and slits his throat for Wesley, Sam, Aelin, and herself.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusExposes Arobynn’s fake control, hides the Wyrdkey, and gives Lysandra the right to kill him.
- Rowan WhitethornProtects and comforts Aelin, senses the Wyrdkey, then rejects Aelin’s intimate touch.
- LysandraReceives Aelin’s permission and kills Arobynn for herself, Wesley, Sam, and Aelin.
- Arobynn HamelAttempts to enslave Aelin with a fake ring, plans against Rowan, and is murdered by Lysandra.
- Aedion AshryverFears Aelin has been controlled, then learns her deception and keeps watch afterward.
- Chaol WestfallReports on Arobynn’s men and helps ensure Lysandra’s assassination plan proceeds safely.