Jude reflects that she has barely visited the mortal world since Vivi and Oak left Elfhame. She remembers Heather’s ignorance of magic and worries that Taryn’s wedding will force Heather to learn, all at once, that Faerie is real and that the Undersea is a threat.

After midnight, Jude and the Roach ferry mortal workers back from the Court of Shadows, where the mortals have been expanding the secret rooms. Jude justifies the theft of their labor because they made bargains, will be paid in real gold, will remember nothing, and will not be taken twice. While crossing the sea, Jude thinks uneasily about Nicasia and the danger of sea Folk attacking.

With time before Jude must collect Vivi, Heather, and Oak, the Roach takes Jude to a mortal diner. Over food, the Roach presses Jude to tell Cardan that Lady Asha is alive, arguing that Cardan has become part of the Court of Shadows because the Roach has been training him in sleight of hand, pickpocketing, and little magics. Jude resists at first, insisting Cardan is not a spy, but the Roach’s point forces Jude to consider whether Cardan sees himself as the true High King or as someone playacting within Jude’s scheme.

Jude then tries to ask about the Bomb, but the Roach warns Jude to leave the Bomb out of schemes against the Undersea. His protectiveness makes clear that the Roach loves the Bomb, though Jude cannot answer him honestly without betraying the Bomb’s secrets. After they part, Jude remains troubled by the idea that Cardan may belong more to the Shadow Court than Jude has admitted.

Jude goes to Vivi and Heather’s apartment in Maine, where Heather assumes Jude has arrived with a car. Oak greets Jude excitedly, and Jude notices signs that Heather still does not understand Vivi and Oak are not human. Jude confronts Vivi in the bedroom and realizes Vivi has avoided lying by letting Heather believe partial truths: they are going to Taryn’s wedding on an island off Maine, but Vivi has not explained how or what kind of island.

Jude urges Vivi not to come, warning that the Queen of the Undersea wants Nicasia to marry Cardan, Balekin is involved, and Madoc wants to use Oak as bait. Vivi refuses to stay away, trusting that Jude will keep them safe. Jude worries because she trusts Vivi so deeply, then discusses Taryn’s unhappiness with Locke. Vivi pointedly asks why Jude can manipulate the High King but cannot manipulate Locke into making Taryn happy, leaving Jude frustrated by how unsimple everything remains.