Jude wakes in unfamiliar woods, still dressed as Taryn, with Oriana tending her. Oriana explains that Madoc removed “Taryn” from Elfhame because Locke’s death left her vulnerable to being used as a hostage by Cardan. Jude feels relieved to learn Cardan was not captured, but hides that reaction and continues pretending to be Taryn while weighing escape.

Jude recalls Cardan’s strange claim that he sent her messages and wonders whether the letters might have offered pardon, a bargain, or another trick. Oriana urges rest and treats Jude with the tenderness she would show Taryn, which makes Jude uncomfortable because Oriana does not know whom she is really comforting. Jude falls asleep before forming an escape plan.

Jude later wakes in a moving carriage with Madoc and Oriana. Madoc says three days have passed since the inquest and reveals that his raid on the palace cost him many knights: the brugh itself resisted his soldiers with shrinking doorways, roots, vines, and leaves. Madoc concludes that Cardan knows how to use his power and is glad to have tested him before a larger rebellion. Jude carefully questions the wisdom of attacking Cardan, but Madoc dismisses caution and darkly jokes that “Taryn” may have made herself a widow.

The carriage reaches a vast northern war camp near the Court of Teeth. Jude sees snow, bonfires, tents, armed soldiers, goblins, trolls, elves, and several factions allied against the High King. The location alarms her because the Court of Teeth previously imprisoned the Roach and the Bomb and because Grima Mog had warned that Madoc, the Court of Teeth, and other traitors planned to dethrone Cardan before the next full moon.

Oriana settles Jude in Madoc’s tent, which feels unsettlingly like home, and provides warmer clothes while planning to dine with the Court of Teeth. Jude notices Grimsen the Smith in a nearby ornate pavilion and avoids his sly gaze. Alone, she searches unsuccessfully for maps or battle plans, cleans up, changes clothes, and ensures her gloved disguise remains convincing.

As sunset approaches, Jude studies the camp and recognizes Madoc’s sigil, the Court of Teeth’s banners, and other allied courts. Jude realizes her position inside Madoc’s household could let her uncover his plans, though doing so would risk exposure and death. At first she thinks of fleeing to the mortal world, but anger and duty overtake her: as the Queen of Elfhame, even in exile, Jude understands that Madoc is trying to take not only Cardan’s throne but hers.