The Bomb removes Jude’s stitches, a slow and painful process that gives Jude time to ask about the Roach. The Bomb says she remains hopeful about him. A nervous moth-winged messenger arrives to summon Jude to Lady Asha, but Jude delays, prompting the Bomb to remind Jude that as High Queen she should not let anyone command her, especially not Lady Asha.

Despite the Bomb’s advice, Jude goes to Lady Asha because Jude wants to speak with Cardan’s mother. On the way, Val Moren stops Jude and taunts her about her sudden rise and recent fall. Jude challenges Val Moren for never helping Jude and Taryn survive as mortals in Faerie, but Val Moren rejects any kinship, saying Jude was planted in Faerie young and became something different from him.

Jude finds Lady Asha reclining in bed with courtiers attending her. The courtiers delay showing Jude proper respect, and Jude pointedly tells Lady Asha not to get up, asserting that Lady Asha does owe the High Queen courtesy. After the courtiers leave, Lady Asha implies her visit is a kindness and invites Jude to sit.

Jude confronts Lady Asha about reconciling with Cardan after once claiming she wanted to escape him. Lady Asha answers by describing Cardan as an impossible child who destroys things once he has mastered them, warning Jude that Cardan will eventually despise her once she is no longer a challenge. Lady Asha then reveals she believes Jude already loves Cardan and will continue loving him after his feelings fade.

Lady Asha’s words force Jude to reflect on her fear of weakness, her shame over Cardan’s exile-riddle, and whether wanting love must make her foolish. Jude then guesses that Lady Asha intercepted Cardan’s letters during Jude’s exile. Lady Asha’s evasive response is close enough to a confession, so Jude leaves with renewed confidence, telling Lady Asha that next time Jude will expect her curtsy.