Chapter 7
Chapter 8: Cassian
Overview
Rhysand meets with Azriel in his private study to review intelligence reports about growing discontent among Illyrian clans. The conversation reveals tensions about the post-war peace, lingering threats from human queens, and Azriel's complicated feelings regarding Lucien's visit to the Spring Court and proximity to Elain.
Summary
Rhysand greets Azriel in his study at the House of Wind after a sleepless night brooding over Eris's warning about Tamlin and the Spring Court borders. Azriel presents maps and documents detailing discontent spreading among multiple Illyrian clans, particularly among widows and mothers of fallen soldiers. When Rhysand suggests waiting until after Solstice to address this with Cassian, Azriel expresses frustration with the Illyrians' perceived hypocrisy—they train as warriors yet blame leadership for casualties. Rhysand counters that disbanding the army is impossible and dangerous, and notes the peace remains fragile given threats from the human queens and Hybern's dissatisfied populace. The brothers discuss whether to inform Vassa and Jurian about these concerns, with Azriel suggesting they handle the human queens themselves while still free. Rhysand explains Lucien has gone to the Spring Court for Solstice at Tamlin's invitation, which visibly affects Azriel—his Siphons darken when learning Lucien will be near Elain during this time. Azriel claims he doesn't track Lucien's movements to respect Elain's privacy, though Rhysand implies otherwise. Rhysand mentions Eris warned him about Tamlin's potentially weakened borders and plans to visit the Spring Court himself without witnesses, alluding to possible confrontation with Tamlin. The conversation touches lightly on gift-giving expectations for Solstice and Bryaxis, with Azriel asking to hunt down the fear entity before departing for Rosehall the morning after Solstice.
Characters
- RhysandHigh Lord meeting with his spymaster; reviews intelligence reports, makes strategic decisions about Illyrian discontent and the tenuous post-war peace, plans a visit to the Spring Court
- AzrielSpymaster presenting intelligence on Illyrian clan discontent; expresses frustration with Illyrian attitudes toward war casualties, learns about Lucien's visit to the Spring Court, offers to join Rhysand on a dangerous mission
- FeyreMentioned as Rhysand's mate; asleep after returning home, has been briefed on reports, will be asked to join the Spring Court visit but is expected to refuse
- CassianMentioned as the commander who will arrive soon; aware of Illyrian discontent and willing to address it, his arrival is expected later
- ErisReferenced as having delivered a warning about Tamlin's borders and his potential vulnerability
- TamlinMentioned as High Lord of Spring Court; invited Lucien for Solstice, may have weakened borders, subject of Rhysand's planned visit and unresolved tensions
- LucienMentioned as going to the Spring Court for Solstice; is Elain's mate, will potentially be sent as human emissary to Graysen's manor
- ElainMentioned as Lucien's mate; Azriel is protective of her privacy regarding Lucien
- NestaMentioned as one of Feyre's sisters; discussed regarding Solstice gifts and her interest in hunting Graysen
- VassaMentioned as freed from her curse temporarily and staying with Jurian; subject of discussion regarding whether she should help address the human queens
- JurianMentioned as having taken leadership of human territories using Graysen's estate as his seat of command
- GraysenMentioned as hosting Vassa and Jurian; Nesta and others harbor murderous intentions toward him
- HelionMentioned as having attempted to help unbind Vassa's curse
- BryaxisMentioned as a fear entity residing in the library beneath the House of Wind that Rhysand has considered hunting