Jude arrives at the High Court disguised as Taryn for Locke’s inquest, wearing Taryn’s dress and trying to appear submissive. The assembled Folk treat her with suspicion and contempt because Taryn is mortal, Madoc’s daughter, Jude’s sister, and the chief suspect in Locke’s death. Jude is terrified that Cardan will recognize her, knowing that discovery would expose both her illegal return from exile and Taryn’s guilt.

A knight directs Jude to stand before High King Cardan. Seeing Cardan unsettles Jude, who is struck by his beauty, his royal bearing, and the memory of how he tricked and exiled her. Cardan formally acknowledges Taryn’s supposed grief but says questions remain about Locke’s death.

Nicasia challenges Jude, asking whether Taryn killed Locke or had Jude do it. Jude, staying in character, insists that Jude is in exile and that Taryn never hurt Locke. Cardan announces that he will glamour Taryn into telling the truth, but because of Dain’s geas, the magic has no effect on Jude. Jude successfully lies, naming herself Taryn Duarte and denying that she murdered or arranged Locke’s death.

Nicasia suggests Jude is likely guilty, citing Jude’s admitted murder of Balekin and her suspected killing of Valerian. Cardan questions whether Jude might have killed Locke despite exile. Jude lies that Jude had no reason to hate Locke, then counters Lady Asha’s claim that Jude loved Locke by saying Jude loved someone else and would want that person dead instead. The remark visibly unsettles Cardan, who tries to end the discussion.

Nicasia interrupts Cardan and suggests Taryn may be protected from glamour by a charm. Cardan accepts the possibility and says Taryn must be searched. Jude panics because a search would reveal the bandages and fresh cuts on her arms, proving she is not Taryn. Jude refuses to be publicly humiliated under the guise of mourning, so Cardan proposes examining her privately in his chambers.