Chapter 10

Diem spends the morning with Eleanor preparing for the Ascension Ball, quietly wrestling with how to tell Henri and her father about the Crown. As Eleanor sketches Sorae, the two discuss key Corbois figures: Aemonn’s transactional charm, Taran’s disinterest in power, Lily’s vulnerability, Alixe’s merit-driven ambition, and Luther’s duty-bound severity.

Diem affirms Eleanor as her sole trusted advisor, bolstering Eleanor’s confidence and solidifying their partnership. Diem resolves to use the Crown to reform unjust traditions, if she can survive the Challenging.

While roaming the palace alone, Diem meets Regent Remis. Behind polite diplomacy, Remis issues a subtle threat about the breadth of Corbois influence. Diem counters by withholding recognition of his regency and then, to keep options open, agrees to hear his counsel. Remis reveals the imminent House Receptions—private meetings essential to avoiding a Challenge—exposing Luther’s omission.

Rattled, Diem slips into the servants’ passages, reflects on the palace’s magic, and overhears servants’ gossip accusing her of seduction and regicide. She escapes through a mailroom toward the foyer—and collides with Henri Albanon, bringing her mortal entanglements abruptly into the heart of the palace.