Domnei · Chapter
How Orestes Ruled explained
Melicent returns to the Court of Stars to find Orestes has smothered his father Demetrios.
What happens
Melicent returns to the Court of Stars to find Orestes has smothered his father Demetrios. Orestes declares himself master, sends Melicent to the Women's Garden at Callistion's desire, and plans to complete a bargain with Ahasuerus. Melicent kneels by Demetrios's body, speaks of pity and pardon, and then passes into the Women's Garden unafraid, knowing Perion is near.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Sacrifice and Redemption
Melicent's farewell to Demetrios reflects a redemptive act of pity and pardon, acknowledging her own role in their bargain.
The Nature of True Love
Melicent affirms that love endures and that her bond with Perion is unbreakable, even in the face of slavery and death.
Honor and Moral Integrity
Melicent maintains her dignity and composure, acting as a princess should, and speaks truthfully about her bargain with Demetrios.
Characters to notice
- Melicent
Returns to the Court of Stars, confronts Orestes, kneels by Demetrios's body, and enters the Women's Garden with pride and fearlessness.
- Orestes
Smothers his father Demetrios, declares himself master, and sends Melicent to the Women's Garden.
- Demetrios
Found dead, smothered by Orestes; Melicent speaks over his body.
- Ahasuerus
Stands by negligently, eyes expressionless; involved in bargaining with Orestes.
- Callistion
Desires to talk with Melicent; her hatred is noted.
- Perion de la Forêt
Mentioned as near to Melicent in spirit, single of purpose and filled with love.
Key passages
“The great proconsul laid an inconvenient mandate upon me. The great proconsul has been removed from us in order that his splendour may enhance the glories of Elysium.”
Orestes justifies his murder of Demetrios by claiming the proconsul's orders were inconvenient and that his death sends him to a glorious afterlife.
Orestes speaks cynically after smothering his father.
“I have no word of praise or blame to give you in farewell. You were not admirable, Demetrios. But you depart upon a fearful journey, and in my heart there is just memory of the long years wherein according to your fashion you were kind to me.”
Melicent tells Demetrios she cannot praise or blame him, but remembers his kindness in his own way over the years.
Melicent's farewell to the dead Demetrios.
“I go to slavery, Demetrios, where I was queen, I go to hardship, and it may be that I go to death. But I have learned this assuredly—that love endures, that the strong knot which unites my heart and Perion's heart can never be untied.”
Melicent declares that despite facing slavery and death, she knows her love for Perion is eternal and unbreakable.
Melicent's affirmation of enduring love.