Okay, I just had a realization about the possibility of a High King and the Trove, and it makes so much sense!
We know the Trove corrupts. Its power is far too much for anyone to bear for long. Even Nesta, with her direct link to the Mother, struggles to handle it without losing herself. She manages it because of her Cauldron given powers. Her will power is strong enough to withstand it, her heart pure enough to use it for the right reasons. But I don't doubt that she, along with everyone else, would eventually grow weak and be consumed by the power.
Now, let’s talk about Rhysand.
Some people (looking at you, Amren, Cassian, Azriel 👀) think he's the best candidate for the job. But he’d have to force others into submission and use the Trove’s power, which we know corrupts eventually. There’s no way Rhys could wield that kind of magic for long and not be changed by it in the worst way. No matter how good his intentions may be, the power would eventually consume him. Period.
Then there's Helion.
He has that spell woven into his blood that forces him to stay away from the Trove. That confused me greatly and I kept thinking about it ever since I finished Acosf.
Why would Sarah J Maas add that tidbit of information? What purpose could that kind of spell possibly have for the plot?
The answer was right there! The Trove is too strong, it corrupts.
Helion’s bloodline literally rejects the Trove.
And that’s where Lucien comes in.
Not only has Lucien the personality, education, ties and experience to lead various courts, he’s also the only one besides Helion with that particular 'disability' that prevents him from abusing the Trove's powers.
He’s going to be just as repelled by the Trove’s magic (and not drawn to it like everyone else).
(Helion is another candidate ofc but I believe the High Lords have already enough work with their courts to watch over the whole realm).
Lucien could be the keeper of the Trove, wield it if absolutely necessary - but he’d never want to. That magical repulsion isn’t a weakness, it’s what makes him the only acceptable candidate.
No one would have to fear that he'd start abusing the power.
Which leads to my final conclusion: If there's ever going to be a High King again, it's gotta be Lucien .
He's the one. 🔥
