Elagbi catches Talasyn and Alaric in an intimate moment in the library, forcing them to separate in mortified silence. Instead of openly scolding them, Elagbi escorts Talasyn to supper and insists Alaric join them, beginning an unbearably awkward meal with Jie and Sevraim while Elagbi pointedly comments on the library as a sacred space.

After supper, Elagbi speaks privately with Talasyn. He reflects on the years he lost with her, his pride in the woman she became, and his worry that her attraction to Alaric could endanger her judgment as war approaches. Talasyn insists she will not reveal the Sardovians’ location and that the relationship is only physical, though saying so leaves her hollow. Elagbi promises not to tell Urduja and asks Talasyn to send Alaric in.

Before entering the salon, Alaric quietly asks Talasyn to rescue him in two hours. Elagbi then drinks rum with Alaric, framing the conversation as a confrontation between father-in-law and son-in-law. As both men become drunk, Elagbi admits that he once wondered when Alaric had last received a kind word, briefly piercing Alaric’s defenses before Elagbi calls him unworthy of Talasyn.

Talasyn returns to find Alaric and Elagbi drunk. She leads Alaric upstairs herself, despite servants offering help. Alaric is unexpectedly affectionate and gentle, but when he suddenly moves to help remove his boot, Talasyn flinches and raises her arms as though expecting a blow. Alaric is horrified, and Talasyn explains that drunken caretakers at the orphanage used to beat her and the other children, leaving her with lasting fear around intoxicated people.

Alaric swears he would never strike Talasyn outside sparring and reacts with fury on her behalf. Talasyn is unsettled by how comforting his anger feels, but she also recognizes his compassion and recalls his efforts to help others, including searching for Khaede and aiding villagers. After they lie down, Alaric shares a secret: his mother begged him to leave Kesath with her, but he refused out of duty and because he hoped his refusal would make her stay.

Alaric admits that Talasyn’s departure earlier triggered the same old wound, explaining his need to leave and clear his head. Talasyn understands that both of them make painful associations because of past trauma. In the quiet intimacy of the room, they lace their fingers together, and the simple act of holding hands feels more intimate than their earlier physical desire.