Throne of Glass, #4
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 64
Overview
Back in Rifthold, Rowan recovers while Aelin and Aedion prepare for the decisive solstice plan, and Rowan learns that Aelin spared Manon out of compassion for Asterin’s desperate love. Aelin then secures Lysandra’s and Evangeline’s freedom from Clarisse, deepening the bond between the women and giving Lysandra a future outside bondage.
At the same time, Manon’s uneasy conscience pulls her away from Morath toward Rifthold with Asterin. The chapter closes on Elide alone in Vernon’s dungeon, making Manon’s sudden journey urgent and suggesting that the witch’s rebellion may soon take concrete form.
Summary
Rowan wakes in the Rifthold warehouse after the exhausting return from the mountains. Aelin and Aedion are already planning for the solstice, when Aelin intends to enter the castle openly as part of their effort to free magic and confront the king and Dorian. Rowan is weak from blood loss and suppressed magic, but his concern centers on Aelin’s injuries and on the witch who nearly killed him.
After Aedion leaves, Rowan asks why Aelin saved Manon. Aelin explains that Asterin screamed Manon’s name the way Aelin screamed Rowan’s, and she could not take someone so beloved from another person, even an enemy. Rowan recognizes the mercy and strength in that choice and tells Aelin that serving her makes him proud.
The next morning, Aelin visits Lysandra and Evangeline. Their banter briefly lightens the mood, but Aelin and Lysandra then speak seriously about Lysandra’s abduction, the hidden dungeon beneath Rifthold, and Lysandra’s fear that she would be enslaved by a Wyrdstone ring. Lysandra admits she is overwhelmed that Aelin and the others came for her, because she is unused to being valued or rescued.
Aelin gives Lysandra a document bearing Clarisse DuVency’s seal. The paper declares that Lysandra’s and Evangeline’s debts are paid in full and that they may receive the Mark of freedom. Lysandra breaks down, realizing Aelin has bought freedom for both her and Evangeline; Aelin deflects the emotion with teasing until Lysandra laughs through her tears.
Meanwhile, Manon and Asterin remain in the mountains after Asterin’s confession, hunting and considering their next move. Manon wakes with a sense that something is wrong and decides she must follow it. After briefly returning to Morath for supplies and leaving instructions with Sorrel and Vesta, Manon and Asterin fly hard toward Rifthold while staying hidden above the clouds.
In Rifthold, Elide has spent four days imprisoned in a freezing dungeon. She studies her guards and surroundings but finds no useful escape route. As hunger, cold, and fear wear her down, Elide concludes that Manon and the Blackbeaks are not coming and that no one will remember her if she dies.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusPlans the solstice assault, explains sparing Manon, and buys Lysandra and Evangeline’s freedom.
- Rowan WhitethornRecovers from severe blood loss and affirms pride in serving Aelin.
- LysandraProcesses her rescue and learns Aelin has paid her and Evangeline’s debts.
- Manon BlackbeakReflects after Asterin’s revelation and follows an urgent instinct toward Rifthold.
- Asterin BlackbeakAccompanies Manon from the mountains to Rifthold without hesitation.
- Elide LochanEndures four days in a freezing dungeon, fearing no one will come for her.
- Aedion AshryverHelps Aelin plan for the solstice and quietly supports Rowan.
- EvangelineBantering young ward whose debt and future are freed alongside Lysandra’s.
- SorrelReceives brief instructions to cover Manon’s departure from Morath.
- VestaReceives brief instructions before Manon and Asterin leave Morath.