ACOTAR Civil War?
Do you think Nesta could eventually challenge Rhysand for the title of High Queen of Prythian?
We know that Rhysand may become High King of Prythian (which… I have a million and one issues with) but I just get the sense that if anyone rules Prythian, it won’t be him. I think there’s every chance it’s Nesta. And if not her, I think she will absolutely challenge any attempt he makes if that ultimately becomes his goal, which it might.
Not saying she wants power in the traditional sense, but I find the textual evidence that Rhys is deeply unsettled by her and her power so interesting. Even back in A Court of Silver Flames, he repeatedly tries to control or contain her, and the HOSAF bonus chapter only reinforced that dynamic for me. Nesta is one of the only characters who genuinely does not back down from him.
And honestly, power wise, she might be one of the few people in Prythian with the potential to rival him. Even after giving some of her power back, the narrative still treats her as something ancient and terrifying. There’s also the repeated emphasis on death, the Dread Trove, and people reacting to her with fear (much like how people react to Rhys. They have so many mirrored qualities!)
So I’m wondering whether SJM could eventually build toward a political fracture in Prythian rather than a united front. Not necessarily “Nesta / Rhys becomes evil,” but more of an ideological divide. Rhys represents secrecy, control, and centralised authority, while Nesta represents autonomy, defiance, and refusing to be managed.
Could we end up with a kind of Marvel esque civil war between courts/factions in future books? Could we see characters like Bryce come back to assist Nesta? We know how she feels about fae overlords.
Or do you think the narrative is ultimately heading toward unity?
(Not a hate post!)