How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying and substance use.

Cardan observes Jude and her sister, Taryn. As classmates, they see a lot of each other. Cardan is fascinated by Jude’s identity as an identical twin, as well as her martial skills and assertive personality, which is at odds with his perception of her humanness. She tries harder than anyone else, while Cardan doesn’t try at all. Nicasia views her with contempt. Cardan ascribes to hating Jude, but her name becomes an obsession.

Cardan and Nicasia shift from friends to casual lovers. They tell each other secrets, including the prophecy at Cardan’s birth that hints at the destruction of the Elfhame crown and throne. Nicasia suggests that Cardan become her future consort. Initially, Cardan likes the idea—he can rule with her in the Undersea while his siblings squabble over ruling Elfhame. Nicasia takes him to the Undersea, but even with enchantments that allow him to breathe underwater, Cardan feels oppressed and powerless beneath the waves; he realizes that he could never accept an underwater fate. He returns to land, desperate for air, and deceives Nicasia into thinking that he enjoyed the visit.