"Went to see a man about a king" haunts me more than any other line in that book. What is she planning

mayasaura:

Ianthe had that type of personality. And she had a few years on Harrow. “Someday I’ll marry that girl,” she said aloud. “It might be good for her.” And: “Probably not, though.”
And then Ianthe the First went to see a man about a queen.ALT

All images have alt text

I HAVE NO IDEA.

The first time I read the Harrow the Ninth I was balls to the wall obsessed with Gideon, so I skimmed right over this line. Now, though? It haunts me too.

Quick recap on the context for those following along at home: this is the last line of the Epiparados of Harrow the Ninth. Ianthe and Harrow are on the Erabos, and it has been two days since the final chapter of Gideon the Ninth. The kind of personality that Ianthe is being said to have is the kind of personality that can ‘put their hands back on the reins after they’ve been taken off’, which I take to mean the sort of personality that can recover and bounce back when one’s plans are seriously derailed.

So what are you planning, Miss Yanthe? Let’s break it down.

Keep reading