The Folk of the Air, #1
The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
At the High King’s revel, Jude is both enchanted by the beauty of Faerie and reminded of its brutality. She studies the royal heirs and sees Prince Dain’s warrior faction as her possible path to power, but Cardan’s circle demonstrates how vulnerable she remains as a mortal.
Valerian humiliates Jude, Cardan violently maims a boy for failing to bow, and Locke’s unexpected kindness and private wink unsettle Jude. The chapter sharpens Jude’s ambition while showing the social danger and casual cruelty she must navigate at Court.
Summary
Jude, Taryn, Madoc, and Oriana arrive after midnight at the Palace of Elfhame, entering the hill through the magical passage between an oak and a thorn. Jude is still dazzled by the spectacle of the Court despite knowing how dangerous it is and despite the violence that brought her to Faerie.
Inside, Jude and Taryn greet High King Eldred, then observe the royal heirs and their political circles. Jude notes that Balekin’s Circle of Grackles is devoted to indulgence, Elowyn’s Circle of Larks to art, and Dain’s Circle of Falcons to war and strategy. Because Jude wants to prove herself with a blade and win status through knighthood, Dain’s circle seems like her best chance.
After Madoc releases the sisters to enjoy themselves, Taryn pulls Jude into the revel instead of hiding in their usual alcove. They eat ordinary mortal-safe food, and Jude notices a tiny white-haired thief rob an ogre and escape during a magical distraction, a display of daring that excites Jude.
Taryn suggests that she and Jude take turns dancing, with each sister ready to pull the other away if the revel becomes too dangerous. Before they act, Jude sees Princess Elowyn dancing with musicians and then notices Prince Cardan approaching with Valerian, Nicasia, and Locke. Jude and Taryn kneel with the rest of the Court, hoping not to attract attention.
Valerian singles Jude out, yanks one of her braided horns, and insults her mortal plainness. Jude suppresses the urge to fight back because retaliation would make things worse, but the humiliation leaves her ashamed. Cardan then attacks a moth-winged boy who failed to bow, striking him and tearing one of his wings while the Court quickly returns to its festivities.
Locke separates himself from Cardan’s group long enough to help the injured boy stand. When Locke catches Jude watching, he smiles and winks as though sharing a secret, startling Jude with unexpected attention instead of contempt. Taryn reacts sharply, dragging Jude toward their hiding place and warning her not to give Cardan’s circle more reason to target her.
Who Appears
- Jude DuarteMortal narrator dazzled by Court, seeking knighthood, humiliated by Valerian, and noticed by Locke.
- Taryn DuarteJude’s twin; longs to dance but warns Jude not to attract Cardan’s circle.
- Prince CardanCruel youngest prince who attacks and tears a moth-winged boy’s wing.
- ValerianCardan’s vicious companion; yanks Jude’s braid and insults her mortality.
- LockeCardan’s companion who helps the injured boy and gives Jude a private wink.
- MadocJude’s foster father; brings the family to Court and stands with Dain and Balekin.
- OrianaMadoc’s wife; accompanies the girls and remains concerned about Court dangers.
- High King EldredRuler of Elfhame; receives Jude and Taryn’s formal greeting at Court.
- Prince DainWarrior prince whose Circle of Falcons represents Jude’s desired path to status.
- Prince BalekinEldest prince; leads the indulgent Circle of Grackles and speaks with Madoc.
- Princess ElowynArt-loving princess who dances among the Circle of Larks during the revel.
- NicasiaElegant member of Cardan’s group; witnesses Cardan’s violence with Valerian.
- Moth-winged boyCourtier punished by Cardan for not bowing, left injured and in pain.
- White-haired thiefTiny faerie girl who daringly robs an ogre and winks at Jude.