The morning after their argument, Talasyn resolves to behave during both negotiations and training. During the council session, she reflects on Alaric's quiet anger, realizing she has never actually been afraid of him—a revelation that unsettles her. She catches herself watching his hands and recalling physical moments between them. The negotiations hit a snag when Alaric refuses to include his mother's lineage in the marriage contract, explaining that Sancia Ossinast was a traitor whose house was expunged. Prince Elagbi suggests skipping the contract entirely, and Commodore Mathire brokers a compromise: a simplified version listing only the couple's names and titles.

After the talks, Talasyn delays training to buy pudding from a visiting street merchant. Alaric follows her outside, and she hands him a cup. He eats the entire serving despite calling it merely "interesting," and Talasyn notes his apparent sweet tooth. On impulse, she suggests they train outdoors in a plumeria grove instead of the palace. Alaric agrees, and they settle into seated breathing meditations. He teaches her Shadowforged techniques for channeling magic through breath and body, and she struggles to clear her restless mind.

During a break, Alaric asks about Talasyn's mother. She reveals that Hanan Ivralis was from the Dawn Isles and died of a mysterious, rapid illness during Nenavar's civil war. Alaric apologizes for prying, and Talasyn, surprised by his sincerity, admits she was also wrong for yelling the day before. They agree to work together toward their common goal. Alaric then shares that his own mother, Sancia, abandoned Kesath when he was thirteen and likely fled to Valisa. Talasyn asks if he misses her, and though he denies it, he nearly confesses that he wonders whether Sancia ever thinks of him. Talasyn voices the same feeling from her own past, creating a moment of deep mutual understanding.

As Alaric moves to correct Talasyn's posture during a standing meditation, she steps backward into him and they end up pressed together. Overcome by her scent and closeness, Alaric strokes her neck, and she shivers against him. Amid falling plumeria petals, she turns her face toward his and he tilts her chin upward, leaning in for a kiss. Before their lips meet, Sevraim interrupts to announce that it is time to prepare for the evening's engagement banquet.