So I'm trying to figure this out and if I'm just missing it in the books let me know. Why did he give Locke the position of Master of Revels? I understand his forgiveness and sort of friendship with Nicasia, I do. But Locke? I don't get it. Hope you're having a good day
Why did cardan make Locke the master of revels/why did cardan forgive Locke?
hi! Thanks for the ask! Hope you’re having a great day/ night too!!
Cardan gave Locke the title of master of revels for a number of reasons,
But first, the title gives Locke he overseeing of revels right, so he’s like the guy that plans all the parties.
Cardan knows that Locke is mischievous, that he likes a good story above all, and that he can acquire that by giving him the title.
But cardan and Locke obviously have history, Locke stole nicasia from him and they screwed around behind his back, so why give locke such a great boon?
Because, cardan didn’t want to be king, he doesn’t even see himself as king, he sees Jude as queen.
But by throwing Jude under the bus by giving locke a position in court that would make Jude’s life harder(to pay her back for putting him on the throne, which he didn’t want), and maybe make cardans job as king something more of an opportunity to be like how he was as prince:
Someone who can drink their problems away, taking the drugs and powders of nevermore/never, making merry with courtiers of the kingdom.
As for his forgiveness toward Locke, we must remember that Locke is (most likely) a gancanagh. A charm speaker, a love speaker. Someone who can sway others to their side by saying all of the right things, by saying the things that person wants to hear most.
It’s likely that cardan was swayed by Locke into remaining friendly with him, even after the betrayal. Tbh tho I’m not sure if cardan ever really forgave Locke. Most likely just tolerated him lol
Locke is also one of his only friends, and one of his only friends that isn’t actively trying to physically hurt him, only emotionally. But cardan is so emotionally and mentally broken from years of abuse that i doubt he comes to care much.
Like i said in my last post, about how cardan forgives his abusers, cardan can be kind. He has the capacity to forgive, time and time again.
Lastly; the whole relationship status in elfhame can be complicated. There doesn’t seem to be a “boy friend” or “girlfriend” or just significant other status that isn’t husband or wife(there’s consorts but that seems reserved for royals, lords and ladies). And husband and wife status, especially in royalty seems to be complete and utter devotion.
When fae take lovers, they seem to see lovemaking as a sport, so coming to CARE for those lovers would make a person seem weak. Especially for a prince. Cardan showing how Locke and nicasias relationship affected him would make him seem weak, would give them both the upper hand, by 1. Giving nicasia power over cardan, and 2. By Locke making a story out of the betrayal.
Cardan lived by the whole “boy with a heart of stone” story his whole life, but he didn’t have a heart of stone, and making it seem like he didn’t made him seem weak. Cardan held desperately onto the only power he had, his title as prince and using it to be cruel.
Overall, Cardan gave Locke the title for cardans own benefit, to terrorize Jude, to see being king as something that isn’t a burden. And he “forgave” Locke because it’s likely that Locke is just charming that way, and because Locke is one of his last buds, and because cardan doesn’t want to seem weak for not forgiving him.
Anyway that’s what i came up w, thanks for the ask! Hope i answered your question! Feel free to add on! 🫶