From Kingfisher’s perspective, Saeris’s blue book sits on her nightstand at Ammontraíeth, and Fisher forces himself not to touch or read it. Knowing his mother, Edina, wrote it reopens his grief, because he had long sensed her presence after her death and now has a chance to hear her voice again through words not meant for him.

Fisher also worries that the book might contain information about Ren’s disappearance, but Edina asked Saeris not to read ahead. Since the book cannot be used that way, Fisher has left Iseabail to try scrying for Ren while he and Saeris endure the Evenlight Ball without answers.

Saeris, newly dressed for the ball in an elaborate black gown, feels ridiculous and uncomfortable, while Fisher sees her as regal and beautiful. Their private moment turns intimate as Fisher uses desire and teasing to ease her stress, and the exchange becomes a reaffirmation of trust rather than obedience before Saeris enters a political setting.

Taladaius interrupts from outside the door to remind Saeris that it is time to go, but Fisher asks for three minutes. During their closeness, new rose tattoos bloom across Saeris’s thighs, leaving both of them surprised and Saeris unsteady but calmer afterward.

After Fisher helps restore Saeris’s gown and prepares to leave with her, Saeris remembers that she must read the next page of Edina’s journal. The contents are not revealed, but the page immediately clears Saeris’s haze and leaves her with a strange, determined readiness for the ball.