Unveiling Betrayal: Exploring the Popular Court of Thorns & Roses Theory on Inner Circle Traitors

Among the fervent fan theories surrounding A Court of Thorns and Roses, an intriguing suggestion has emerged: the idea of a traitor lurking within the Night Court’s Inner Circle. This speculation continues to flourish among readers, especially with scarce updates on the anticipated sixth book in the series. Enthusiastic fans are heavily theorizing about the next protagonist and the potential transformations—whether positive or negative—of the existing Inner Circle members due to the repercussions of prior events.

The notion of impending betrayal within the Inner Circle has gained considerable traction, rivaling even the notorious “evil Rhysand”theory. While the narrative has shown the Night Court’s fearsome reputation to be largely superficial, many believe that genuine treachery could arise from one of its own, fueled by intensifying past experiences. This theory first garnered attention at the conclusion of Sarah J. Maas’ previous installment and has only expanded since then.

Is There a Traitor in ACOTAR’s Inner Circle? Unpacking the Speculation by Sarah J. Maas Fans

A Court of Silver Flames book cover crop — A Court of Silver Flames book cover

The speculation regarding a possible traitor within the Inner Circle stems from a pivotal quote delivered by the main antagonist in the latest novel. While the Night Court is often viewed as the most formidable court in Prythian, it faces numerous enemies, including the Mortal Queen Briallyn, who features prominently in A Court Of Silver Flames. During one engagement, Queen Briallyn suggested that many would gladly betray the Night Court, igniting this theory.

Briallyn also referenced Bellius, who had previously been coerced into betraying the Valkyries. Although Maas has yet to verify this theory, many readers perceive the queen’s remarks as an indication that betrayal may indeed lie ahead. Her assertions hint at ambitions within members of the Night Court to potentially betray Rhysand for personal gains or to balance the scales against him. However, the motivations behind any potential betrayal among Inner Circle members could vary significantly.

Who Might Be the Betrayer in Future Court of Thorns & Roses Installments and Why?

Mor and Azriel: The Most Likely Candidates for Betrayal

Mor and Azriel emerge as the leading candidates for the traitor role due to the trajectories of their respective character arcs within the A Court Of Thorns and Roses saga. Mor is a primary focus among fans, primarily due to the ambiguity surrounding her powers and her previous lack of transparency throughout the series. Her frustration toward Eris, particularly after Rhysand’s alliance with him was forged without her knowledge, further complicates her motivations and potentially sets the stage for betrayal.

Conversely, Azriel also presents a plausible candidate. Following insights from a bonus chapter in the fifth installment, he finds himself distanced from Elain on Rhysand’s orders, leading some to question his loyalties. While this logic can equally extend to Lucien—whose emotional connections to Tamlin and Elain offer fertile ground for conflict—introducing a traitor within the group could provide a fresh narrative direction for the upcoming book.

A Traitor Could Intriguingly Disrupt the Night Court in Future ACOTAR Novels

Internal Threats Could Challenge the Status Quo

Covers of all books in the Court of Thorns & Roses series

While the concept of betrayal may seem devastating, it could serve as a compelling narrative strategy in future sequels. If Mor is indeed the traitor, her actions could catalyze crucial discussions about the pervasive misogyny among the Fae, a prominent theme in ACOTAR. Similar discussions could manifest through Azriel and Lucien, especially as Elain’s role becomes a focal point, raising questions about ownership and autonomy in their society.

An internal threat within the Inner Circle would not only subvert reader expectations but also facilitate deeper character exploration as they navigate the complexities of betrayal among themselves. Transitioning the main conflict from external adversaries—like Hybern and Queen Briallyn—to a challenge from within their ranks could prove transformative for the narrative structure of the forthcoming book.

Book Title	Release Date
A Court of Thorns and Roses	2015
A Court of Mist and Fury	2016
A Court of Wings and Ruin	2017
A Court of Frost and Starlight (novella)	2018
A Court of Silver Flames	2021
A Court of Thorns and Roses book #6	TBA