Contents
Chapter One
Overview
Aeri leaves her barricaded cabin as the group nears Khitan to enact Sora’s plan to provoke war and draw out King Joon. The Rule of Distance complicates access to Queen Quilimar, and tensions spike. Sora learns Euyn once hunted her father Chul and violently lashes out. Shaken and divided, they arrive at Quu Harbor.
Summary
Aeri, isolated and fearing retaliation after betraying King Joon, emerges from her barricaded cabin when Sora summons her. On the stormy East Sea, Aeri notes Euyn’s seasickness, Royo’s hostile distance, and the group’s fractured trust following their failed attempt against the king.
On deck, Sora reiterates the plan: persuade Queen Quilimar of Khitan to wage war on Yusan, forcing King Joon to leave Qali Palace so they can kill him and put Euyn on the throne. She appeals to vengeance and loved ones, naming Tiyung and Count Seok. The goal is agreed, but mistrust persists, especially toward Aeri.
Logistics stall them. Mikail explains Khitan’s Rule of Distance—no one within a hundred feet of the throne after a past assassination attempt—making an audience difficult amid Yusanian spies. The group brainstorms the queen’s inner circle; Euyn names General Vikal as influential. Mikail warns Joon chose them for specific traits and that they are missing a crucial piece.
As blame circulates, Euyn needles Mikail, and Mikail counters by exposing Euyn’s past cruelty. When the name “Chul” surfaces, Sora presses, then realizes Euyn once hunted her father, Chul Inigo, for sport. Sora lunges to kill Euyn, but Mikail and Royo restrain her as she screams in grief and fury.
After the clash, Sora is hauled aft, Mikail’s disgust plain. Euyn, shattered and ill, vomits at the rail while Aeri watches the Palace of the Sky King appear through mist. With alliances shattered and the plan unsteady, they enter Quu Harbor under gathering storms.
Who Appears
- AeriNarrator; King Joon’s hidden daughter, mistrusted; leaves isolation to join planning; reflects on betrayals.
- SoraStrategist; pushes plan to sway Queen Quilimar; vows vengeance; learns Euyn hunted her father and attacks him.
- EuynExiled prince; seasick and strained; proposes General Vikal; exposed for hunting Sora’s father; vomits in shock.
- MikailSpy and Euyn’s lover; outlines Rule of Distance; reveals Euyn’s past; restrains Sora, disgusted with Euyn.
- RoyoBrooding ally with history of violence; distant from Aeri; helps restrain Sora during her attack on Euyn.