Before Talasyn’s coronation as Night Empress, drinks are served in a tense Kesathese hall where officers openly resent her presence. Talasyn notices the gathering is smaller than expected, supporting Urduja’s suspicion that Alaric is limiting contact between Kesath and Nenavar. Gaheris is absent, and Alaric explains that his father has withdrawn from public view.

Alaric discusses using direct trade with Nenavar to strengthen neglected regions rather than concentrating wealth in the capital. His vision briefly moves Talasyn because it could address hardships like those she endured in the Great Steppe, but Talasyn remembers that Kesath’s future was built on Sardovia’s defeat. To reestablish emotional distance, Talasyn mocks the empire’s violence, provoking Alaric into leaving her side.

Commodore Darius approaches Talasyn and addresses her as empress. Talasyn remembers his betrayal of the Sardovian Allfold and struggles not to make a scene while Kesathese officers watch for one. Darius justifies his actions as survival, dismisses Ideth Vela’s loyalty to individuals, and then dangerously suggests that Ideth may not have died for Sardovia after all. Talasyn hides her panic because Darius, once Vela’s trusted right hand, may be able to guess the Amirante survived.

Elagbi rescues Talasyn from the conversation and leads her away, promising concern and support. The coronation proceeds on the Citadel balcony in the rain. Talasyn kneels before Alaric and swears to follow Kesathese laws, obey Alaric while their marriage lasts, and stand beside him, even though Talasyn knows she is lying and intends Kesath’s eventual fall.

As Alaric crowns Talasyn, the Sardovian stormship Chiton descends through the clouds and opens fire on the Citadel. Talasyn recognizes it as one of the Allfold ships thought lost after Lasthaven. Alaric shoves Talasyn toward the Nenavarene, but the balcony collapses under lightning fire; Talasyn saves herself with a light-woven dagger, and Alaric uses Shadowgate magic to help her escape seconds before the columns are destroyed.

In the chaos below, Sardovian rebels and wasp coracles attack while Kesathese forces rally. Talasyn realizes the rebellion is real but likely suicidal once Kesath’s air forces respond, and she worries whether Khaede is among them. Alaric cuts away Talasyn’s restrictive skirts so she can run, then rejoins his fighters. Hoping to warn the rebels or ask about Khaede, Talasyn reaches Hiras, a Sardovian cadet she once saved, but Hiras recognizes her as a traitor and orders the others to kill her.