Throne of Glass, #4
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Aelin receives confirmation that Arobynn is dead and goes to the Assassins’ Keep, where the Guild’s remaining leaders have summoned her. Still shaken by tension with Rowan, Aelin deliberately assumes the persona of Celaena Sardothien one last time.
The chapter marks a turning point in Aelin’s effort to bury her assassin identity and seize control of what Arobynn’s death has set in motion.
Summary
Aelin rides across Rifthold with Rowan and Aedion after receiving confirmation that Arobynn Hamel has been found murdered. The news relieves Aelin because it means Lysandra succeeded and survived, but it also forces Aelin to face the consequences inside the Assassins’ Keep.
The carriage ride is tense because Aelin cannot stop thinking about Rowan’s rebuke from the previous night. Aelin and Rowan speak only in clipped, distant exchanges, and Aedion wisely avoids questioning the strain between them.
Aelin knows she must be ruthless and clear-headed for what comes next. Tern, Harding, and Mullin have taken temporary control of the Guild and estate, and they have summoned Aelin after Arobynn’s death.
Before entering the Keep, Aelin consciously puts on the mask of Celaena Sardothien one final time. Aedion sees the transformation in Aelin’s face and bearing, while Aelin warns Rowan and Aedion not to interfere.
Aelin exits the carriage with cold confidence, strides up the steps of the Assassins’ Keep, and kicks open the doors. The chapter ends with Aelin prepared to confront the assassins and close the chapter of her life tied to Arobynn and Celaena.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusPrepares to face the Assassins’ Guild by assuming Celaena’s ruthless persona one final time.
- Rowan WhitethornAccompanies Aelin in tense silence after rejecting her touch the previous night.
- Aedion AshryverRides with Aelin and Rowan, noticing Aelin’s chilling transformation into Celaena.
- Arobynn HamelConfirmed murdered, forcing the Assassins’ Guild and Aelin into immediate confrontation.
- LysandraOff-page killer of Arobynn, whose successful survival gives Aelin relief.
- Tern, Harding, and MullinAssassins temporarily controlling the Guild and summoning Aelin after Arobynn’s murder.