Evangeline arrives at the palace still uncertain why Empress Scarlett has invited her to tea. She is anxious because rumors claim the empress can read minds, and Evangeline fears Scarlett might discover that Evangeline is not truly the heroic savior the city believes her to be.

Scarlett and Princess Donatella welcome Evangeline warmly in a lush palace garden. After praising Evangeline's supposed heroism during the Week of Terror, Donatella reveals the real reason for the meeting: the royal sisters want Evangeline to represent the Meridian Empire at Nocte Neverending in the Magnificent North, where Crown Prince Apollo must choose a bride before he can fully ascend the throne.

The invitation excites Evangeline because her mother once told her magical stories about Nocte Neverending and the North. Evangeline longs to visit her mother's homeland, attend the legendary ball, and perhaps move beyond Luc. But Evangeline hesitates because Scarlett and Donatella want a hero, while Evangeline knows she made a dangerous bargain with Jacks and still owes the Prince of Hearts three kisses.

Scarlett and Donatella reveal they have already repaired the public rumor that Evangeline's touch turns men to stone by arranging a new scandal-sheet announcement declaring her cured. Their kindness and faith in her deepen Evangeline's guilt, but also make the invitation feel like a chance to become the brave person they believe she is.

Evangeline accepts on the condition that she can bring Marisol, hoping the trip will allow her stepsister to escape the reputation of being the Cursed Bride. The sisters agree and excitedly discuss lodging, Northern fashion, and preparations, since the North's winter begins in only three weeks.

When Evangeline asks about Prince Apollo, both Scarlett and Donatella realize they cannot remember anything about him or his family. Evangeline suspects Northern magic or a curse may be involved, but she is more troubled when the three broken-heart scars on her wrist suddenly begin to burn.