Over two days, Jude, Cardan, Grima Mog, the Bomb, the Living Council, and allied generals plan for Madoc's arrival. Cardan refuses proposals to ambush or duel Madoc, insisting on hearing the parlay and then answering treason with open force. Messengers sent to Nicasia receive no reply, leaving Undersea support uncertain, and Jude worries that Madoc will exploit Cardan's pride and need for loyalty.

As Madoc's forces approach, Jude prepares for court in royal attire while Cardan finalizes plans with the Bomb. Oak returns Jude's ring and insists on watching because Oriana will be present and because he wants to understand what happens. Before the parlay, the Bomb promises to guard Jude from the shadows, and Cardan privately tells Jude that he loves her, leaving Jude shaken and determined to answer him after the crisis.

Madoc enters the brugh with Oriana, Grimsen, Lady Nore, Lord Jarel, Queen Suren, and trusted generals. Cardan calls Madoc a traitor, Jude orders Madoc to surrender, and Madoc refuses. Madoc reveals a sword forged by Grimsen with power drawn from Mab's earth, drives it into the floor, and cracks the throne of Elfhame. Madoc then offers the sword to Cardan as bait for a duel and shifts the challenge into a contest for the court's hearts, also threatening Queen Orlagh's life if Cardan refuses to risk the Blood Crown.

Cardan nearly appears tempted, but instead rejects Madoc's wager. Cardan declares that kingship is not a crown or throne, frees the Folk from compelled loyalty, and breaks the Blood Crown in two. The court willingly accepts Cardan as High King, but Grimsen's curse on the crown activates: Cardan's eyes blacken, his body transforms, and he becomes a vast black serpent whose presence begins to poison and damage the land.

Madoc tries to seize the moment by claiming he will kill the serpent and take power, but Jude asserts herself as the true Queen of Elfhame and orders Madoc's party seized. Randalin unexpectedly supports Jude, restoring enough authority for the guards to act. The serpent races through the hall, kills Grimsen, and threatens Oriana and Oak after Oak runs to protect his mother. Jude gets Oak and Oriana to safety, while Madoc challenges Jude to prove herself by killing Cardan. Overwhelmed but still in command, Jude allows Fand to lead her out and orders the doors barred behind the serpent.