Chapter 42

Feyre and Tamlin share a passionate but brief encounter in a hidden passage, interrupted by Rhysand, who then kisses Feyre in front of Amarantha to protect them both from suspicion. Later, Rhysand visits Feyre's cell and reveals the true nature of his relationship with Amarantha, his father's role in killing Tamlin's father, and his strategic reasons for restraint in his treatment of her.

During a faerie party at Amarantha's court, Feyre lurks forgotten until Tamlin signals her to meet him alone. They slip away to a hidden passage where they embrace passionately, knowing it may be their last moment together before Feyre's trial the next day. Rhysand discovers them and, rather than punishing them, forces Tamlin to leave before kissing Feyre himself—an act that appears to be a calculated move when Amarantha suddenly arrives with her entourage. The kiss makes it appear Feyre was with Rhysand rather than Tamlin, protecting them from Amarantha's wrath, though the queen and her court laugh at what they assume is typical human inconstancy. Feyre is dismissed and returns to her cell. Hours later, Rhysand visits her in an unguarded moment, revealing his exhaustion at being enslaved as Amarantha's lover against his will. He explains that his father killed Tamlin's father and brothers, which is why Amarantha especially punishes him. Rhysand discloses that his strategic restraint—never touching Feyre beyond her waist and arms—is his only claim to innocence, designed to make Tamlin believe he was on Feyre's side when the curse breaks and Tamlin's rage is unleashed against Amarantha. When Feyre thanks him for not demanding full servitude when he healed her arm, Rhysand cryptically confirms he knew she would have complied and vanishes into shadow.