Jude flies toward Elfhame on the ragwort horse, still badly wounded despite the land’s healing. Fearing that the Ghost will assassinate Cardan from the rafters of the great hall, Jude rejects more obvious routes into the palace because her exile and notoriety make them dangerous. Jude decides to disguise herself using clothes and supplies from Madoc’s abandoned estate.

At the estate, Jude finds Vivi’s clothing, covers her hair, paints her face, and takes a gargoyle mask. Jude leaves Nightfell hidden behind and arms herself with a small collapsible bow. Jude also writes a warning note urging the court to expect an assassination attempt and keep Cardan secluded, hoping the message will reach Baphen or one of Cardan’s guards.

Disguised as a musician, Jude enters the palace with other performers and persuades a green-haired musician to deliver the note in exchange for a lute. A knight smells blood on Jude, but Jude deflects suspicion with a crude explanation and moves into the crowd. Jude then climbs into the rafters, reopening her wound and using her headscarf as a makeshift bandage while she waits for the Ghost.

From above the hall, Jude watches courtiers arrive, including Baphen, Lady Asha, Nicasia, and finally Cardan wearing the Blood Crown. Jude sees Randalin present Cardan with the warning note, but Cardan remains in the hall, leading Jude to think he may be deliberately acting as bait. When Jude spots movement among the roots, Jude realizes too late that the Bomb is searching for the would-be assassin described in the note and has mistaken Jude for the threat.

The Bomb fires, and Jude dodges, but Jude slips in her own blood and falls from the rafters onto a banquet table. Surrounded by guards and councilors, Jude is accused of breaking exile to murder the High King. Randalin urges Cardan to order Jude chained, but Cardan stops the guards, publicly declares that Jude is his wife, the rightful High Queen of Elfhame, and not in exile. The revelation shocks the court and Jude alike before Jude loses consciousness.