Chapter 38

Summary

• The protagonist is trying not to focus on the dark blue ink and the eye tattooed on their left palm, symbols of entrapment by Rhysand.
• The red-skinned guards give the protagonist an ultimatum to clean the marble hallway or face punishment by fire.
• With only a dirty bucket of water and a brush, the protagonist faces difficulty as the floor only gets dirtier, and when trying to ask for clean water, finds the door locked.
• Overwhelmed with the impossibility of the task, the protagonist recalls the dread of potential torture and tries to scrub harder until an unexpected visitor arrives.
• A woman with auburn hair and russet eyes, later revealed as the Lady of the Autumn Court, acknowledges the protagonist's sacrifice for her son and subtly helps by providing a bucket of clean water, leaving behind a scent of roasting chestnuts.
• The protagonist uses the clean water to finish the task and is relieved, though contemplates that she should have expressed gratitude towards the Lady of the Autumn Court.
• The guards, surprised by the completion of the task, give the protagonist another chore – to clean lentils from the ash in a massive bedroom's fireplace with a strict deadline.
• Struggling with this new task and fearing the consequence of failure, the protagonist prepares to defend herself against violence.
• Rhysand, the ruler who previously claimed the protagonist, enters the room and questions the bizarre cleaning task.
• Feyre, the protagonist, and Rhysand have a tense exchange about the tasks, their bargain, and Rhysand's varying powers despite being limited under Amarantha's control.
• At one point, Rhysand displays the remnants of his powers by briefly manifesting large black wings and sharp talons, revealing a form of his High Lord power.
• Rhysand converses with Feyre about the limits of his abilities and the nature of Amarantha's control over the other faerie inhabitants.
• When Feyre asks Rhysand for help with solving the riddle that could grant her freedom, he explains that Amarantha's orders prevent him from assisting her.
• As a parting 'gift,' Rhysand cleans Feyre and fulfills her task, instructing the guards to stop giving her tasks, with a severe consequence if they disobey.
• The guards, under the influence of Rhysand's power, obey his command and let Feyre leave unharmed.
• Feyre contemplates the implications of accepting Rhysand's help and the control he wields over the guards, while recognizing the power dynamics at play.