Throne of Glass, #4
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Aelin learns that Chaol has been meeting with Arobynn, but Aelin delays confronting Chaol in order to face Arobynn and gather information. Arobynn reveals that Aedion is imprisoned and scheduled for execution in three days, making Aelin’s rescue of Aedion the immediate priority and confirming that the king may be setting a trap.
Arobynn offers help in exchange for Aelin capturing one of the king’s demon-possessed commanders, forcing Aelin into a dangerous bargain with her former master. The chapter ends with the king’s men entering the Vaults, and Aelin ready for the bloodshed that her own trail has invited.
Summary
Aelin realizes that Chaol is either Arobynn’s client or desperate enough to meet with the King of the Assassins in the Vaults. Seeing Chaol alive loosens months of fear, but the blood on Chaol’s clothes and the tense woman with Chaol raise new questions. Aelin resists the urge to follow Chaol and decides that getting answers from Arobynn is the smarter move.
Aelin sits with Arobynn, who greets Aelin with familiar intimacy and immediately turns the meeting into a test of control. Aelin searches for signs of the Amulet of Orynth, remembering that Arobynn stole the heirloom that secretly contains the final Wyrdkey. Their conversation circles through old wounds: Sam’s death, Arobynn’s betrayals, Wesley’s death, and Aelin’s many debts to collect.
Arobynn reveals that news of Aelin’s display of power in Wendlyn has reached Rifthold, along with the title Adarlan now uses for Aelin. Arobynn then delivers the real blow: Aedion has been imprisoned for treason, accused of conspiring with rebels to restore Aelin to the throne, and will be executed in three days at Dorian’s birthday celebration. Aelin recognizes the execution as an obvious trap meant to lure Aelin out, but Aelin decides that saving Aedion must come before every other plan.
Arobynn offers resources for Aedion’s rescue, but only in exchange for a favor. Arobynn wants Aelin to capture one of the king’s demon-possessed commanders and bring it to the Keep. Aelin explains enough about the Valg, black rings and collars, and fire’s effectiveness against the princes to satisfy Arobynn, but Aelin withholds the truth about Wyrdmarks and Wyrdkeys. Aelin agrees that Aedion comes first and the capture can happen afterward.
Arobynn presses Aelin emotionally, claiming regret and asking for a chance to help, but Aelin sees the predatory calculation beneath Arobynn’s performance. Before leaving with Tern, Harding, and Mullin, Arobynn tells Aelin to search the southeastern tunnels for the person Aelin seeks. Alone in the Vaults, Aelin prepares for violence as the king’s black-uniformed men arrive, confirming that someone has followed the trail Aelin laid from the docks.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusReturns to Arobynn’s orbit, learns of Aedion’s danger, and prepares for an ambush.
- Arobynn HamelManipulative assassin king; reveals Aedion’s execution and bargains for a captured Valg.
- Chaol WestfallSeen leaving Arobynn’s meeting alive, bloodied, hooded, and connected to dangerous secrets.
- Aedion AshryverAelin’s cousin; imprisoned for treason and scheduled for public execution in three days.
- TernArobynn’s assassin; shadows the meeting and leaves with a mocking gesture to Aelin.
- HardingOne of Arobynn’s assassins monitoring Aelin during the Vaults meeting.
- MullinOne of Arobynn’s assassins stationed nearby to watch Aelin.
- Chaol’s companionUnidentified tense woman who leaves with Chaol and watches Aelin closely.
- King’s black-uniformed menArmed men who enter the Vaults after following the trail Aelin laid.