As the Hunter’s Moon approaches, palace revelry grows more chaotic. Cardan’s reputation darkens after rumors that he would shoot a lover for sport, and the court turns that cruelty into legend. Jude continues trying to manage threats by consulting Vulciber about the Undersea, reviewing possible traitors, worrying over Lord Roiben’s ambassador, and searching for a way to extend her year-and-a-day control of the throne.

Jude visits Cardan in High King Eldred’s former chambers, where servants are preparing the room and Cardan is surrounded by courtiers, including Locke, Nicasia, and Taryn. Cardan dismisses the group when Jude arrives. Taryn squeezes Jude’s hand hopefully as she leaves, reminding Jude of Taryn’s request that Locke be restrained.

Jude warns Cardan that Orlagh of the Undersea is watching him, but Cardan answers that everyone is watching him. Jude then tries to persuade Cardan to extend his vow and allow Jude to command him for many more years. Cardan refuses, pointing out that Oak is still too young to rule and that Jude will soon have to either force Cardan to abdicate or make an arrangement based on mutual trust rather than one-sided control.

Angered by Cardan’s refusal, Jude threatens that she can make the remaining months of his obedience unpleasant. Instead of revealing Orlagh’s marriage offer, Jude orders Cardan not to drink himself to death at the Hunter’s Moon revel and asks him to watch out for Taryn. Cardan jokes about seducing Taryn away from Locke, but Jude forbids it and clarifies that Cardan should keep Locke from behaving cruelly around her sister.

Before Jude leaves, she mentions that the Council wants Locke to create an amusement for Grimsen. Cardan kisses Jude’s hand and remarks that nothing is sweeter than what is scarce, unsettling her. Outside, the courtiers wait to reenter, Taryn looks queasy behind a false smile, and the revelers’ laughter fills the hall.

On her way through the palace, Jude encounters Val Moren, Eldred’s mortal former Court Poet and Seneschal, surrounded by the Circle of Larks. Val Moren offers advice through a juggling demonstration, adding more objects until they all fall and a crystal shatters. He tells Jude to learn to juggle better than he did, implying that her many schemes and responsibilities are in danger of collapsing; Jude, furious and feeling betrayed by another mortal, walks away.