Jude, Vivi, Oak, and Heather leave Heather’s apartment for Faerie. Vivi finally reveals magic by summoning ragwort steeds instead of a car, and Oak removes his glamour to show his horns. Heather is shocked and frightened rather than delighted, forcing Vivi to begin explaining that Faerie, magic, and Vivi’s true nature are real.

Hours later, the group arrives at Oriana’s parlor. Oak happily reunites with Oriana, who treats him with clear maternal tenderness, making Jude feel the old hurt of Oriana’s refusal to mother her and Taryn. Heather slowly processes the truth, and Jude takes Heather aside because Vivi has failed to explain the dangers of being human in Faerie.

Jude walks Heather through the rules: the Folk can glamour appearances, manipulate minds, and addict mortals with everapple; Heather must avoid bargains, stay guarded, and carry rowan berries and salt. In the kitchens, Jude makes Heather protective charms and explains that these will make Heather safer, not safe. Heather is overwhelmed but receptive, and Jude is relieved that Heather is trying to accept her world being overturned.

Back in the parlor, Vivi remains cheerful, while Oriana asks Jude to stay for dinner and hints that Madoc would like it. Jude refuses, intending to avoid Madoc and the pull of nostalgia. Vivi asks Jude to deliver a congratulatory gift to Cardan, but Jude, unsettled by the reminder of Vivi’s old familiarity with him, tells Vivi to give it to Cardan herself and leaves.

At the palace, Jude passes the throne room and sees Cardan close with Nicasia. Nicasia’s happiness makes Jude realize Nicasia still loves Cardan, and Jude feels jealous and humiliated because encouraging Cardan’s connection to Nicasia was part of Jude’s own political plan. Jude turns away and resumes work: arranging Balekin’s audience, gathering Court of Shadows intelligence, hearing rumors that Madoc is marshaling forces, sending spies to lower Courts, and questioning the Bomb about Grimsen’s new gift for Nicasia.

Jude visits Grimsen’s forge under the pretense of buying Taryn a wedding gift. Grimsen reveals that he once knew Jude’s mortal father and may have offered him a dangerous bargain for smithing knowledge. Jude barters for enchanted earrings that will make Taryn painfully beautiful, paying with one tear and agreeing to carry Grimsen’s offer to Cardan: if Cardan declares war on the Undersea, Grimsen will forge devastating armor and swords to restore his own fame and increase the High King’s power. Jude returns to her rooms, briefly tries the earrings, sees their effect, and wraps them before she can change her mind.