Alaric travels by shallop from the Deliverance toward the Roof of Heaven, Nenavar's capital palace, escorted by Dominion coracles. During the journey, he reflects grimly on his impending marriage to a stranger and finds his thoughts drifting to Talasyn, whom he has not seen since the fall of Sardovia. He wonders if she is dead and feels an unacknowledged ache at the possibility, recalling their last encounter amidst smoke and ruins.

Meanwhile, Talasyn's father Elagbi visits her chambers to apologize for not opposing Queen Urduja more forcefully. He reveals that he has persuaded Urduja to let Talasyn attend the marriage negotiations, arguing that the Night Empire should see the Lachis'ka's power firsthand. He also briefs Talasyn on the political dynamics: Kai Gitab, the incorruptible Rajan of Katau, has been placed on the negotiation panel to represent the opposition, while Lueve Rasmey of Cenderwas serves as chief negotiator for Urduja's side. Elagbi also mentions Surakwel Mantes, a noble who has lobbied for Nenavar to ally with Sardovia against Kesath and who would fiercely oppose the betrothal, though he is currently away. Talasyn resolves to use the element of surprise—Alaric does not know she is Alunsina Ivralis—and submits to being dressed and crowned for the occasion.

At the Roof of Heaven, Alaric is received coldly by Elagbi and the Dominion nobles. His small retinue consists of his legionnaire Sevraim and Commodore Mathire, a deliberate show of good faith. As they enter the palace, sariman cages neutralize the Shadowgate, and Elagbi makes pointed comments about trust. Alaric takes in the overwhelming opulence of the throne hall, where hostile courtiers watch in silence.

Queen Urduja formally welcomes Alaric and delivers a speech urging open-minded negotiations, subtly warning both the Kesathese and her own court. Alaric responds with careful diplomacy, reminding the Nenavarene that this arrangement was their sovereign's proposal while expressing his genuine desire for peace. Urduja then invites him to ascend the platform and meet the Lachis'ka.

As Alaric climbs the steps, the veiled figure on the throne rises and steps forward. He is struck by the extraordinary beauty of Alunsina Ivralis—and then, with dawning recognition, realizes that beneath the silk, jewels, and cosmetics, the Lachis'ka is Talasyn. Before he can finish his formal greeting, Talasyn snarls at him, declaring an amicable relationship "not fucking likely," and the chapter ends with Alaric's heart stopping in shock.