Jude wakes to Randalin forcing his way into the royal apartments, clearly expecting Cardan to be absent and hoping to unsettle Jude while she is vulnerable. Jude refuses to be cowed and, when Fand challenges the lax guards, Jude appoints Fand as the first member of her personal guard.

Randalin warns that low Court rulers are arriving to witness Madoc’s challenge and to test the crown’s weakness, especially now that the Undersea cannot reliably provide aid. Randalin argues that Jude’s mortality creates doubt and urges Jude to relinquish the title of High Queen. Cardan arrives with Grima Mog, hears enough to understand Randalin’s offense, and privately menaces the councilor after Jude makes clear that she will give up neither her home nor her crown.

Grima Mog brings Jude restorative soup and reveals that returning Jude’s knife led Grima Mog to meet Taryn and learn more about Jude. Tatterfell, Fand, more guards, and Heather arrive with Jude’s clothes and jewelry. Heather privately tells Jude that Vivi offered a bargain: Heather would stay in Faerie for Oak, but when Heather returned home, Vivi would make Heather forget Faerie and Vivi. Heather regrets agreeing, and Jude silently supports Heather when Heather claims Jude needs Heather and Vivi to remain a few more days.

That night, Jude and Cardan prepare for a ball welcoming the low Court rulers. Cardan explains that Jude must speak with them because she can lie, and they must believe victory over Madoc is certain. In the great hall, Jude is announced as High Queen beside Cardan and faces the shock of Faerie’s rulers. Jude reassures them with deliberate lies, hiding the loss of Undersea support, Madoc’s weapons, and the danger of Madoc’s coming challenge.

Jude speaks briefly with Lord Roiben and Kaye, then rejoins Heather and Vivi. Cardan publicly welcomes the assembled Courts and reframes Jude’s feared reputation as an asset, offering loyal subjects hospitality while warning traitors of Jude’s knives. The speech changes how the gathered Folk see Jude: not merely as a mortal queen, but as a dangerous murderess queen, and by the end of the revel every courtier bows to her.

Afterward, Jude and Cardan return to the royal rooms. Their attraction turns intimate, but Jude panics when desire makes Jude feel out of control. Jude withdraws, then returns deliberately vulnerable, choosing to meet Cardan without armor. Cardan responds with equal vulnerability, confessing that Jude has undone him, and the two consummate their relationship. Jude admits that Jude missed Cardan even when believing him an enemy, and Jude understands that trust between them will come one piece at a time.