Chapter Forty-One

Summary

• Queen Maraya designates Viscount Tecarus of Cordyn as her heir, which is unpopular due to his age and lack of direct heirs.
• Tension occurs between characters Xaden and Brennan over their treatment of the protagonist, Violet, and their rank within their group.
• Violet feels resentment towards Xaden for treating her as if she should follow his orders without question.
• The characters arrive at an opulent palace, lit by mage lights and buzzing with well-dressed people, a place Xaden knows well enough to comment on the unrailed pools and butterfly gardens.
• Violet experiences jealousy and realizes that Xaden has a history with Catriona, who is assisting in choosing Violet's attire for dinner.
• Xaden is possessive and protective of Violet, exhibiting a change in behavior from their past interactions where he encouraged her independence.
• Relations between characters are tense and complex, highlighting romantic and political entanglements.
• As the group prepares for dinner, appearances are a significant concern, and Catriona makes comments calculated to upset Violet.
• Viscount Tecarus initially withholds discussing business until dinner but hints at his interest in Violet’s powers and her ability to call lightning.
• Zara, a lady's maid, helps Violet dress for dinner, and Violet learns more about the Viscount’s habit of collecting rare items and talented individuals.
• Tairn, an unseen character, uses his power to remind Violet to control her own, hinting at an underlying tension and potential conflict.
• While dressing, Violet and Mira discuss their military reputations and familial connections with Syrena and Catriona.
• Violet wears a black gown to dinner with a dagger concealed, highlighting her readiness for conflict amidst elegance.
• Xaden and Violet share an emotionally charged moment where they acknowledge that they are both angry with each other but still in love.
• Violet is forced to wield her power as a test by Viscount Tecarus in order to negotiate for the luminary, an important object of power.
• The situation escalates when Violet is compelled to wield against a metal chest of significant sentimental value to Xaden, and is threatened by archers.
• Tecarus reveals the real "target" for Violet's wielding is a man with bloodshot eyes, indicating infection by venin, a dangerous substance.
• The chapter ends abruptly as the infected man appears, suggesting an imminent threat and a high-stakes situation.