Throne of Glass, #2
Crown of Midnight
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 15
Overview
Rena Goldsmith’s performance turns a royal dinner into both an act of beauty and a political defiance of the king’s ban on magic. Her song draws Celaena and Chaol into a new intimacy, while Dorian sees their connection and chooses to let Celaena go. The king’s secret execution of Rena afterward reveals the deadly cost of preserving the old ways and underscores the brutality behind his rule.
Summary
At dinner in the crowded Great Hall, Celaena attends instead of eating privately because Rena Goldsmith is performing for Prince Hollin’s return. The royal family sits on the dais with Perrington, Roland, and a woman who appears to be Roland’s mother, while Celaena sits among lesser nobles and Chaol’s guards. Chaol unexpectedly joins Celaena, and his men treat her warily but kindly, asking after her recovery from the previous night.
Before the performance, Ress entertains the table with court gossip, and Celaena notices how relaxed and respected Chaol is among his men. Celaena and Chaol tease each other about sparring, and the guards respond with amusement, briefly creating a warm, easy atmosphere between them.
Rena Goldsmith begins to sing with her harp and violinist, captivating the entire hall. Her final song, dedicated to the royal family, tells an old legend about a powerful Fae woman used and feared by rulers until a knight loves her for who she is rather than for her power. The song’s open reference to magic is dangerous, especially before the king, but no one interrupts. Celaena is moved to tears, and when Chaol takes her hand beneath the table, Celaena recognizes that Chaol understands her response; the two share a quiet, intimate smile.
From the dais, Dorian watches Celaena and Chaol rather than the performance. Seeing the way Celaena looks at Chaol, Dorian realizes Celaena has never looked at him that way. Although Dorian believes nothing has happened between them yet, he understands Chaol’s loyalty and Celaena’s need for someone who truly sees her. Dorian decides to let Celaena go.
Hours later, the King of Adarlan has Rena Goldsmith dragged into a dungeon chamber, where her violinist companion has already been beheaded. The king condemns Rena for encouraging magic, but Rena reveals she spent ten years becoming famous enough to be invited to the castle so she could sing the old magical songs in defiance of the king. Before her execution, Rena names loved ones and neighbors killed by the king’s persecution, including her daughter Kaleen, and she is still reciting the dead when the ax falls.
Who Appears
- Celaena SardothienAttends Rena’s performance, is moved by the magic song, and shares an intimate moment with Chaol.
- Chaol WestfallSits with Celaena and his guards, comforts Celaena during Rena’s song, and deepens their connection.
- Rena GoldsmithRenowned singer who deliberately performs songs of magic before the king and is executed for defiance.
- Dorian HavilliardWatches Celaena and Chaol’s connection from the dais and decides to let Celaena go.
- King of AdarlanCondemns and executes Rena for encouraging magic, exposing his ruthless suppression of the old ways.
- RessChaol’s guard, friendly toward Celaena and lively with gossip before the performance.
- Prince HollinDorian’s younger brother, returned to court and openly bored during Rena’s performance.
- PerringtonPresent beside the royal family and later witnesses Rena’s execution in the dungeon.
- RolandSits with the royal family and later watches Rena’s execution with the king.