Taryn comes to Jude’s palace rooms after dawn, dressed carefully and carrying herself with new confidence. Jude is uneasy because Taryn has been absent for months and must want something, but Taryn says she has come twice before and waited this time because she wants their estrangement to end.

Taryn asks Jude to attend her wedding, wear a flower crown, and dance, adding that Vivienne is bringing Oak and that Madoc has promised not to argue with Jude. Jude worries about Oak returning to Faerie but agrees, choosing sisterhood over demanding an apology for Taryn’s part in Locke’s cruel games.

Taryn returns Jude’s old stuffed cat and snake from their mortal childhood. The objects make Jude feel vulnerable and manipulated by their shared past. Taryn says Madoc misses Jude and discusses Jude’s bargain with Cardan; Jude reveals only the safe version, saying Cardan gives Jude power and Oak safety, while concealing that Cardan is bound to obey Jude.

Taryn notices the disorder of Jude’s rooms and warns that Jude is exhausting herself. Instead of apologizing, Taryn offers practical help by bringing over Jude’s old gowns and jewels. Jude suspects Taryn’s timing and possible loyalty to Madoc or Locke, but Jude is ashamed of thinking of her twin politically and accepts the offer.

Before leaving, Taryn points out that she did not ask where Jude was or how Jude was hurt, then tells Jude she loves her. After Taryn goes, Jude places the stuffed animals by the fire and deliberately burns them, rejecting childhood comfort and vulnerability.

Jude then takes her regular doses of poison as part of mithridatism, naming blusher mushroom, deathsweet, wraithberry, and everapple among the substances that have changed her body and dreams. Sick and dizzy, Jude thinks of Balekin’s claim that mortal love resembles fear, and she drifts into dreamlike unrest.