Throne of Glass, #2
Crown of Midnight
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Celaena begins to emerge from the darkest edge of grief, sharing a fragile, humorous reconciliation with Dorian while both hide deeper secrets. Meanwhile, Chaol investigates the strange lament Celaena sang at Nehemia’s grave and learns it was likely a secret Fae-language dirge of Terrasen’s nobility.
The discovery reframes Celaena’s past and future: Chaol realizes she may be a surviving noble of Terrasen, capable of becoming a political and military threat to Adarlan if her identity is ever claimed.
Summary
At dawn in the game park, Celaena tries to play fetch with Fleetfoot, but the dog keeps watching the palace as if waiting for Nehemia. Celaena acknowledges aloud that Nehemia will never return, yet Fleetfoot continues waiting, reflecting Celaena’s own grief and inability to move on.
Later, Dorian searches the library for books on magic, hoping to understand his own powers, but finds nothing. When Celaena unexpectedly appears with Fleetfoot, Dorian hides his purpose by pretending to read. Their conversation is cautious because of Celaena’s recent violence and grief, but Fleetfoot’s theft of a librarian’s scroll creates a moment of humor.
Celaena lies to the librarian to protect Fleetfoot, and the incident draws a genuine smile from Celaena. Celaena then apologizes to Dorian for her recent behavior, saying she has not been herself. Dorian accepts the apology without pressing her, and his simple understanding softens the distance between them.
Chaol, also in the library, sees Celaena and Dorian leaving together. Though Chaol tells himself he is glad Celaena is talking to anyone, Chaol feels hurt that Dorian is the one beside her. Chaol then questions the head librarian, Harlan Sensel, under the pretense of wanting to learn a Terrasen funeral lament for one of Chaol’s guards.
Sensel explains that most Terrasen dirges were never written down, but rumors claimed the high court of Terrasen sang noble laments in the language of the Fae. These songs were secret, taught only to those of noble blood and sung at moonlit burials. Chaol realizes the song Celaena sang at Nehemia’s grave likely marks Celaena as Terrasen nobility whose family was slaughtered by the king.
Chaol connects this revelation to Celaena’s past: her murdered parents, her escape, and her transformation into an assassin as a means of survival. The possibility that Celaena could reclaim a lost noble identity and become a rallying force for Terrasen changes Chaol’s view of her. Celaena is no longer merely someone dangerous to him personally; Chaol now sees her as a potential threat to Adarlan itself.
Who Appears
- Celaena SardothienGrieving assassin who reconnects with Dorian and unknowingly exposes clues to her Terrasen noble heritage.
- Chaol WestfallCaptain of the Guard who investigates Celaena’s lament and realizes her dangerous political significance.
- Dorian HavilliardCrown prince secretly searching for magic books; cautiously accepts Celaena’s apology and renewed warmth.
- FleetfootCelaena’s hound, still waiting for Nehemia and later causing chaos by stealing a librarian’s scroll.
- Harlan SenselHead librarian who complains about Fleetfoot and reveals lore about Terrasen’s secret noble laments.
- RessGuard who appears to be discreetly monitoring Celaena’s movements on Chaol’s behalf.