Chapter 39

Summary

• Protagonist receives regular meals but suffers in solitary confinement while trying to solve Amarantha's riddle without success.
• Is utterly alone and haunted by the screams of prisoners; reflects on the tattoo Rhysand gave her, linking it to ownership and control.
• After days of isolation, two High Fae females from Rhysand's Night Court arrive; they walk her through walls using some glamour.
• The faeries wash her and paint her body with designs, then clothe her in a skimpy, gauzy white dress, decorating her with gold and jewels.
• Rhysand appears and reveals she will escort him to a party; touches her shoulder, leaving a mark that repairs itself to track if others touch her, asserting ownership over her.
• They go to the throne room, where protagonist feels exposed by her sheer dress and is observed with disdain by onlookers.
• In the throne room, Rhysand reveals the bargain with the protagonist to both Amarantha and Tamlin, who show contrasting reactions.
• Rhysand's control extends to the protagonist’s life beyond their bargain, making her dance sickeningly at the parties night after night.
• Lucien visits the protagonist, offering a small comfort and discussing their respective situations, hinting at complexities in allegiances.
• The protagonist experiences the blend of public humiliation and Rhysand's cryptic intentions day by day, with a growing sense of Tamlin's silent strategies.
• Before her second trial, Rhysand converses with the protagonist about his motives and choices, challenging her resolve.
• Dramatic turn occurs when Rhysand steps out during the party to execute a traitor on Amarantha's command, hinting at merciful undertones.
• The chapter ends with another night of required compliance from the protagonist, who doesn’t recollect the events after being drugged by Rhysand.