A Court of Mist and Fury

Feyre resists Rhysand’s offer to tutor her, but he insists. While speculating on Feyre’s powers as a newly resurrected High Fae, Rhys suddenly shudders. Rhys recovers and his cousin Morrigan (“Mor”) enters. Rhys and Mor banter, but Feyre senses real tension under the teasing.

At Feyre’s first reading lesson, Rhys asks her to read a note. She struggles to sound out the words but finally parses the message: “You look absolutely delicious today, Feyre” (62). Feyre becomes angry, which makes her vulnerable and allows Rhys to possess her mind. Rhys orders Feyre to force him out of her mind. After several failed attempts, he illuminates an exit path for her. Feyre gathers all her mental energy into a wave and washes Rhys from her mind. Feyre asks Rhys to release her from their bargain, but he argues that she will have no purpose at the Spring Court beyond adornment and procreation, and can find more at the Night Court. Rhys leaves Feyre to practice the alphabet and mental “shielding.”

Rhys leads Feyre to the top of a high tower, a circular room with a detailed map of Prythian and Hybern, an island kingdom to the west. A massive wall divides the mortal and faerie realms, a wall Rhys warns may soon be coming down. 

Feyre pleads with Rhys to not invade the mortal lands. Rhys assures her that he will not, but he explains that the King of Hybern has been planning an assault for a hundred years. Amarantha’s reign was an early tactical maneuver to weaken Prythian from within. Now, Prythian is all that stands between Hybern’s forces and the mortal world. Rhys asks Feyre to find out where Tamlin’s allegiances lie. He suggests that Feyre has more power than she realizes, as she received a small part of power from each of the seven High Lords when she was resurrected. Rhys offers to teach her how to master those powers. Feyre hesitates. Rhys gives her a choice: be Tamlin’s trophy or claim her power and play a vital role in the war.

Later, Feyre overhears Rhys and Mor discussing a recent attack on a temple by unknown perpetrators. Rhys flies off to meet with Cassian and Azriel, two trusted members of his court. On the final morning of her week at the Night Court, Rhys reminds Feyre that she wanted to stop the wedding and repeats that he is not her enemy. She agrees to consider his offer to train her, and he transports her back to Tamlin’s court.

Reunited with Tamlin, Feyre wants to have sex, but Tamlin wants to know about her time away. Feyre feels interrogated, but she considers her true allegiance and tells Tamlin and Lucien everything. Feyre asks them their opinion on her possible powers, and Lucien warns that other High Lords would not hesitate to kill her to reclaim their power from her. Tamlin forbids Feyre from training with Rhys, hoping to spare her from the dangers of battle. 

A week later, Spring Court villagers arrive for the Tithing, a ritual in which the High Lord’s subjects offer payment for his protection. A water-wraith approaches the dais, pleading for Tamlin to forgive the Tithe. The lake is empty of fish, and they have nothing to give. Tamlin refuses, explaining to Feyre that the traditional Tithe must be upheld regardless of fairness. Feyre storms out of the manor. She catches up with the wraith and gives them the jewelry she is wearing, telling the wraith to “Give him what you owe, then buy yourself some food” (93).

Later, Tamlin reproaches Feyre for “undermining” the court with her gift. Lucien agrees with Feyre, but Tamlin’s anger cows him. Feyre feels power surging through her, and she is suddenly inside Lucien’s mind, willing him to defy Tamlin. The moment passes and she leaves the table defiantly.

Feyre’s attendant Alis braids Feyre’s hair before bed. Alis confirms that the wraith will always remember Feyre’s kindness. Later that evening, Feyre finds Tamlin in his study. They apologize for their harsh words, and Tamlin gives her a gift: a painting kit. It’s lovely, but it reminds Feyre of how she used to paint before going Under the Mountain—a past she is trying to forget. Feyre asks to be free from confinement and the constant guards. In response, Tamlin’s power surges, shattering everything in the room.