The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Maas, Sarah J. Court of Frost and Starlight, Bloomsbury Children's Books, New York, New York, 2018. Kindle AZW file.

Feyre is a faerie who was once human, and she has come to embrace her role in the Night Court alongside her mate, High Lord Rhysand. Though Feyre is often busy, she is looking forward to relaxing over the coming Winter Solstice holiday with her friends and family, including her sisters – Elain and Nesta. While Elain is beginning to settle in, Nesta seems determined to live a terrible life apart from her sisters and their support group. Both are fighting a mating bond, and Feyre does not understand their feelings on this point.

Feyre and Rhysand are surrounded by faeries who play an important role in their lives. Azriel is the spymaster, and Cassian serves as trainer for the Illyrian warriors at a nearby camp. Both have become friends and protectors toward Feyre. Mor is Rhysand's third-in-command and has also become Feyre's friend. Amren is Rhysand's second-in-command. This group forms the core of Feyre's close relationships as each, along with the faeries of the region, begin to recover from the recent war. Though there is peace in the land now, there are problems that threaten a long-term peace.

Feyre is busy with her daily activities, most associated with the fact that she is the High Lady of the Night Court. She and Rhysand hear concerns from the faeries in addition to dealing with their daily lives. Feyre feels she has begun to recover; but, she has yet to resume painting, an activity that once consumed her. Now Feyre is almost afraid to pick up a paintbrush for fear of what will emerge. She meets a young faerie named Ressina who assures Feyre that the people of this district – known as the Rainbow – remember Feyre rushing to fight for them. Ressina begins to plant the idea of painting, which solidifies when a weaver tells Feyre her own story of loss and the creative process that expresses her hope. Feyre chooses an abandoned shop for her first effort. That painting prompts Feyre to realize others could benefit from the opportunity to express their memories, fears, and hopes. She and Ressina open the abandoned shop to children of the region, and they are soon overwhelmed with the number of faeries interested in this therapy.

Meanwhile, Feyre's relationship with Rhysand continues to grow. Rhysand buys property near the Rainbow, instructing Feyre to build a house that will accommodate those closest to them, Feyre's art and Rhysand's office, and the possibility of children in the near future.