Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and physical abuse.

“I did not fear the dark. I did not fear the monsters. I did not even fear the Blood King. But I did fear for my father, for my people, for my culture. Because Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev was inevitable.”

In the opening chapters, St. Clari delivers a nuanced characterization of Adrian through Isolde’s first-person narration. Isolde initially views him negatively, as her culture has taught her that he is nothing but a frightening, bloodthirsty warlord. However, by the end of the chapter, she has become inexplicably attracted to him, introducing the classic romantasy trope of enemies to lovers. The use of the word “inevitable” also foreshadows the full reality of Adrian and Isolde’s past, indicating that a greater destiny now draws them together.

“‘If you wanted a wife, why did you wait until now to ask for my hand?’ 

‘I did not know I wanted one until today,’ he replied.”

In this brief exchange, St. Clair utilizes heavy foreshadowing that nonetheless remains obscure until much later in the novel. When the full details of the pair’s past relationship remain hidden, this dialogue sounds as though Adrian is using cheap flattery to endear himself to Isolde. In reality, however, he is hinting that Isolde is the wife he has long been waiting for: the reincarnation of Yesenia.

“Queens do not rule alone. Queens do not rule at all, she’d say. They held no power beyond what they could do for their king. I was supposed to change that. I’d felt as though that was my purpose, a feeling so strong, it had filled my whole heart with excitement and determination.”

Even though Isolde is uncertain about what marriage to Adrian would require of her, she is excited about the possibility of gaining further autonomy and escaping the restrictions of her current role in Lara. She sees her new life as an opportunity to increase her own political power.