Crown of Midnight

In the library Dorian studies his family’s records and genealogies, looking for proof of magic. He understands why the Fae left: The Adarlan military was strong, and the citizens were willing to blame anyone for the famine and poverty they’d experienced for so long. In the oldest-looking book he sees, he finds King Gavin and Queen Elena’s family tree. Elena was half-Fae, and when they married, her father gave Gavin Adarlan. Dorian returns the book to the shelf and finds a history of the Galathynius bloodline, which contains so much magic that people once feared them. Dorian learns that the Galathyniuses never expanded their borders or took advantage of their neighboring kingdoms, as his father has done. He thinks of the lost heir, Aelin, remembering her as wild and precocious. Dorian then thinks about Chaol and Celaena and his determination to let her go. As he thinks about his friends, the temperature in the library drops and books suddenly begin flying from the shelves, hitting him. When the books stop, Dorian hurriedly returns them to the shelves, his hands shaking from the force within him seeking to escape. He leaves the library to find the witch at the carnival.

Celaena is nervous about the birthday dinner she has planned for Chaol and having to be alone with him after their encounter last night. She dresses in a shimmery, pale-blue dress and goes to meet Chaol. They head to an old apothecary shop. They climb the three stories to the roof and enter a greenhouse, which Celaena has decorated with flowers, potted plants, and fruit trees strung with lights. Chaol realizes that she has recreated the garden spoken of in Rena’s song at Hollin’s homecoming, and he says that no one has ever done anything like this for him. After dinner, the two stand on the roof’s balcony, and Celaena thinks about how Chaol’s family has shunned him when he is more loyal and noble than anyone else in the kingdom. Celaena then confesses that she has not been assassinating the king’s enemies as ordered.

Chaol reacts to Celaena’s confession with anger and fear for her safety. He reminds her of her oath to the king and that the men she is hunting are traitors. Chaol also tells her that if he finds out, the king will make Chaol execute her. She says that she will barter her way out with the information she gets from Archer and then be free to live her life. Chaol states he’ll go with her, then kisses her. She responds with equal passion, and they quickly return to the castle, where she leads him into her bedroom. He asks if she is sure, and she responds that she has never been surer of anything.

Afterward, they hold each other and talk. Celaena asks Chaol how much trouble he’ll be in, but he doesn’t know. They agree to keep their relationship secret for safety. Celaena reassures him that Dorian is no longer a concern but that they can’t tell him.

The next day, Dorian returns to the carnival to find the witch. He lost his nerve the previous day, but after another sleepless night, he needs answers. He gives her four gold coins as payment and asks his first question: Is magic truly gone? She confirms that his type of magic is, though some of the forgotten powers still exist. He then asks if one person could somehow contain magic, but she reaffirms that magic is gone, even for the Fae, so no one person can have magic. She also says she’s heard of magic on other continents, which makes her wonder what crimes they committed to make the gods take magic away from only them 10 years ago. She explains that someone seeking answers should start with why magic disappeared to clarify how an exception could exist.

Dorian walks away, and Roland approaches him. Dorian lies and says he was having his fortune read out of boredom. Roland saw Dorian leave the castle and thought he might want company. Dorian doubts his cousin, but Roland has supported everything he’s said in every council meeting lately, so he doesn’t question him.

Celaena stands on the Rifthold docks watching all the men she’s been tracking sail away on the midnight ship. Archer approaches and apologizes for warning them; he doesn’t want their blood on his hands. Celaena is angry and demands more information by the next night before walking away. As she leaves, she thinks about the rebels. She hopes they will find a way to stop the king and free all of Erilea so she doesn’t have to.

Later that day, Celaena tells Nehemia about her relationship with Chaol. Nehemia is delighted for them, and Celaena feels genuinely happy for the first time in a long time. Nehemia’s mood shifts, and she tells Celaena the king has ordered her to talk down the rebels in Eyllwe or he’ll kill them all. She should go to her people in Eyllwe, but she knows she’s needed at the castle, too. Celaena feels guilty for being so preoccupied with Chaol. Nehemia asks Celaena to promise she will help free Eyllwe from the king and to help free Nehemia’s people. Celaena refuses, claiming it’s impossible because of the king’s power and military strength. Celaena says she is only one person, but Nehemia reminds her that Elena has chosen her to fight against the evil overtaking the land. Nehemia wants to strike now, but Celaena says there is no hope of victory. She refuses to help Nehemia get herself killed. Nehemia responds that Celaena cares only about herself, but Celaena says she just wants to live in peace. Nehemia argues that there will never be peace with the king in power, and Celaena storms out, leaving as Nehemia calls her a coward.

In a tomb, a queen tells a princess that one of the two has to break soon. The princess says that the prince isn’t ready, so it has to be the girl. The princess knows what the queen asks of her; she will do what needs to be done. The princess walks out of the tomb, pausing at the door. She turns back to the queen and says the girl won’t understand, that there won’t be anything to pull her back if she goes over the edge. The queen says the girl will find her way back as she has in the past. The princess can only hope she’s right.