The more I think about it the more it makes sense. The Illyrians want to be ruled by themselves, not by a high lord who was imposed on them, who they didn't choose. Because that's literally the reason why they would reveal themselves and fight against him, freedom. They want their territory (including their culture) to be out of Rhys's authority. They've been forced to fight for him whenever he needs to and without having the chance to contradict his actions or else they're dead. Tbh I want them to have their own leader, I agree with that. Someone who is 100% Illyrian not half-Illyrian. If they ask for their freedom, who is Rhysand to force them to kneel? Why isn't he recruiting his own army, people from Velaris, from the night court in general? He wants an army, well then make one. Call your people to join you, why do the Illyrians have to be the ones to sacrifice themselves for a city, a court that isn't their home? I understand they went to war because Hybern was right there and wanted to invade Prythian but now things have changed, and maybe, a civil war might be on its way.
Actually, I wouldn't mind if Emerie wants to fight for her people, but I think Koschei wants to put them against Rhysand, who is the biggest obstacle in his plans.
YES. And I do not blame the Illyrians for wanting to be an autonomous political entity, not one bit. (My secret hope for the whole series is to smash the High Lord political structure, redistribute the Cauldron/Mother-given powers equally amongst all the fae, redistribute the wealth, get over the High Fae/lesser fae hierarchy. Acotar socialist AU and I know I'll never get it.)
Right now the Night Court is using them as cannon fodder and it's kinda gross? But you know what. It does kinda mirror how POC could be used as underpaid, abused labor irl. I digress.
For real, the High Fae, if they are so freaking powerful and great, they should fight their own battles. Not put lesser fae in the line of fire to protect their darling High Lordship. (What kind of government is Prythian, anyway? I don't know enough.)
I would love for the Illyrians to rebel against the Night Court because they deserve to. Leaving aside the fact that they are problematic as hell, they still don't deserve to be treated the way that they are. And I don't blame them for their discontent.
Rhys probably will want to use the Illyrians against Koschei, but that is going to be super, super tricky when some of them allied with him, even if it was unintentional. 😬 This just isn't going to go away.