The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
Queen Prezmyra explained
On the night of May 26th, Lord Gro walks with Lady Prezmyra on the western terrace in Carcë.
What happens
On the night of May 26th, Lord Gro walks with Lady Prezmyra on the western terrace in Carcë. Prezmyra expresses her bitterness over the Demons' betrayal of her brother and her frustration that Witchland has not yet crushed Demonland. Gro agrees that the King should strike while Juss and Brandoch Daha are absent. Later, Corinius encounters Sriva and forcefully kisses her; she promises to meet him at her chamber an hour past midnight, then goes to her father Corsus. Corinius, pleased, plans to pass the time drinking and dicing.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Prezmyra laments the Demons' broken promises and betrayal of her brother, fueling her desire for revenge.
Revenge and Retribution
Prezmyra curses the Demons and urges the King to strike Demonland while its champions are absent.
Pride and Hubris
Corinius's arrogant pursuit of Sriva and his dismissal of Laxus reflect his pride and sense of entitlement.
Characters to notice
- Lady Prezmyra
Walks with Lord Gro on the terrace, reveals her anger at the Demons and her desire for Witchland to attack Demonland.
- Lord Gro
Accompanies Prezmyra, tries to soothe her melancholy, and agrees with her that the King should strike now.
- Corinius
Encounters Sriva, kisses her forcefully, and agrees to meet her at her chamber an hour past midnight.
- Sriva
Promises to meet Corinius later, then goes to her father Corsus.
- Corsus
Mentioned as Sriva's father, to whom she goes to impart something.
- Laxus
Mentioned by Prezmyra as being made king of Pixyland, and by Corinius as a rival.
- Corund
Prezmyra's husband, honored by the King with a crown and the rule of Impland.
Key passages
“Deadliest hellebore or the vomit of a toad are qualified poison to the malice of a woman.”
The most potent poisons are mild compared to a woman's vengeful spite.
Prezmyra declares the intensity of her hatred for the Demons.
“Let the King smite now, in the happy absence of their greatest champions. So shall we be in strength against them if they return again, and perchance Goldry with them.”
The King should attack now while the Demons' best warriors are away, so we will be strong enough to face them if they come back, possibly with Goldry.
Gro and Prezmyra agree on the strategic advantage of striking Demonland immediately.