# XXII: How Misery Held Nacumera explained — Domnei

> Chapter companion for Domnei by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

Demetrios, enraged by news that Perion has married Mélusine and fathered two children, vents his frustration at the loss of worthy adversaries and the changing world. Melicent, though heartbroken, finds solace in dreams of a younger Perion, walking hand-in-hand in an idealized forest. Demetrios's misery and jealousy grow as Melicent's devotion to her memory of Perion deepens, leading him to storm off in a rage.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Nature of True Love

Melicent's devotion to the memory of Perion, even after his marriage to another, illustrates a love that transcends physical presence and time.

### Idealism vs. Cynicism

Demetrios's cynical view of the world and love contrasts sharply with Melicent's idealistic, dream-based consolation.

### Self-Sacrifice and Redemption

Melicent sacrifices her own happiness and prays for Perion's prosperity, finding a form of redemption in her unwavering love.

## Character check-ins

### Melicent

Melicent consoles herself with dreams of a younger Perion, walking in an idealized forest, and expresses pity for Mélusine while grieving her own loss.

### Demetrios

Demetrios is in a surly rage over the loss of worthy adversaries and the news of Perion's marriage, and he struggles with jealousy and misery.

### Perion de la Forêt

Perion is mentioned as having married Mélusine and fathered two children, Bertram and Blaniferte, and now enjoys the opulence of Brunbelois.

### Mélusine

Mélusine is reported to have helped Ayrart de Montors become Pope Adrian VII through bribery, and she is now Perion's wife with two children.

### Ayrart de Montors

Ayrart de Montors, now Pope Adrian VII, is mentioned as having been aided by Mélusine in securing the papacy through bribery.

## Key lines

> I am the luckier, who may not ever lose the Perion that today is mine alone.

Melicent considers herself fortunate because the idealized Perion she holds in her memory can never be taken from her.

_Melicent expresses her unique possession of a perfect, unchanging Perion in her dreams._

> Now go before I slay you!

Demetrios, overwhelmed by jealousy and misery, orders Melicent to leave him or he will kill her.

_Demetrios's rage and torment are vividly shown as he threatens Melicent._

> I will fight no longer. I will read legends instead, for life nowadays is no longer worthy of love or hatred.

Demetrios declares he will give up fighting and turn to legends, disillusioned by the lack of worthy adversaries in the modern age.

_Demetrios's cynicism and frustration with the changing world are highlighted._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxii-how-misery-held-nacumera
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/domnei_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/domnei_se/chapters