Contents
5. Henry
Overview
From Henry’s perspective, he recognizes Harlow as his would-be killer but keeps quiet to preserve the alliance and seek revenge. During a formal demonstration, Harlow kills a paid volunteer with her poison kiss; Henry heals her inflicted wound, proving his magic. On a tense garden walk, they test boundaries, exchange threats, and reveal tactics—Henry’s aura-masking ring and Harlow’s dagger. Their mutual loathing hardens as Henry teases out rumors of the rebel Rochelli, hinting at larger conflicts to come.
Summary
Henry learns that Harlow Carrenwell is the woman who tried to kill him the previous night. He chooses not to expose her, reasoning that keeping quiet preserves the alliance, allows him to uncover who sent her, and gives him a chance at revenge. He notes her stark presence in his colorless vision and her readiness to defend herself.
At Henry’s father’s request, the Carrenwells stage a demonstration of Harlow’s magic. A paid volunteer signs away his life, and Harlow delivers a brief kiss that quickly kills him as his veins blacken. Henry’s parents approve. Conversation turns to heirs and Henry’s healing magic, and Harrick slices Harlow’s arm to test him. Henry heals the wound, noticing Harlow’s pain and her parents’ indifference.
Discussing next steps, Harrick outlines formal courting in Lunameade and a Mountain Haven wedding. Henry presses for a private stroll; Harlow accepts, with the bodyguard Gaven shadowing them until Harlow dismisses him for an hour. In the hedge maze, they verbally spar about the attempted killing, Henry’s aura-masking ring, and Harlow’s secret nocturnal hunts.
As they move deeper into the gardens, Henry probes Harlow’s motives and methods. She refuses contrition and insists she targets selectively, while Henry condemns her vigilantism. He discovers a hidden dagger on her thigh; when he tests her physically, she swiftly subdues him, warning him not to mistake her for a victim. Their power struggle intensifies but remains unresolved.
Henry baitingly mentions rumors of a figure named Rochelli gaining popularity among commoners and opposing the blood tax, which rattles Harlow. Near the maze’s center, she taunts Henry and threatens to silence him if he reveals her activities. He warns her not to run because he will chase. They part with mutual vows of loathing and strategic caution, setting a hostile foundation for their engagement.
Who Appears
- Henry HavenwoodPOV; realizes Harlow tried to kill him, conceals it, witnesses her poison, heals her wound, probes and threatens in the maze.
- Harlow CarrenwellPoison-kissed fiancée; kills a volunteer, is cut by her father, healed by Henry, counters and threatens; carries a thigh dagger.
- Liza CarrenwellHarlow’s mother; oversees the demonstration, discusses heirs, assures Harlow’s fertility despite poison magic.
- Harrick CarrenwellHarlow’s father; arranges the killing demonstration, cuts Harlow to test Henry’s healing, outlines engagement and wedding plans.
- Henry’s fatherRequests a demonstration of Harlow’s magic; pleased by the alliance’s apparent value.
- Henry’s motherPraises Harlow’s usefulness, touts Henry’s healing magic, eager for heirs from the match.
- GavenHarlow’s wary bodyguard; escorts them to the garden and grants an hour’s privacy at her request.
- Paid volunteerAnonymous man hired to die by Harlow’s poison kiss; requests care for his family before execution.