A Day of Fallen Night

A Day of Fallen Night introduces various nations and their respective dynasties, many of which have been ruled by the same families for generations. In many cases, these crowns are passed down from parents to children, and in the case of the Berethnets of Inys, from mother to daughter. They claim that their line keeps the Nameless One at bay, necessitating that each Berethnet Queen produce an heir as soon as possible. This need is even more pronounced during times of great danger, such as with Glorian after her parents’ death. Glorian recognizes that the monarchy of Inys reduces her purpose to that of childbearing, and until she has an heir, she will be nothing but a womb to her people and councilors. This duty may keep the Nameless One chained, but it also keeps Glorian shackled, preventing her from realizing her true potential and freedom until after the birth of her daughter, Sabran VII.

Glorian senses that her life will be focused on childbearing through various discussions with her mother about her approaching betrothal early in the novel, but it does not truly set in until after her parents’ deaths. She is told that she will marry Prince Therico of Yscalin.