Kitt leaves the study where he has been isolating himself, trying to look composed and in control as he walks the bright palace halls. He keeps a small box in his pocket because its weight makes him feel steady, and he hopes that simply being seen outside his room will shift the servants' gossip away from his increasingly unstable behavior.

When Kitt reaches the kitchen, he hears Gail and nearly turns away, not wanting to face someone who might force him to speak honestly. Gail catches him, pulls him inside, hugs him warmly, and gives him a sticky bun she has been making every day in hopes he would come. After noticing his strained manner, she clears the kitchen so they can talk privately.

Gail confronts Kitt about throwing away her meals and asks how he is really doing. Kitt insists he is better, though he clearly doubts it himself, and he admits that Calum and Kai have helped him endure both his father's death and Paedyn's betrayal. Gail's care feels maternal to Kitt, which makes the conversation both comforting and difficult.

Gail then asks what Kitt plans to do with Paedyn once Kai brings her back. Kitt first questions whether Kai will return with her at all, then reveals his deeper fear: that Kai may love Paedyn more than he loves Kitt. Gail's lack of surprise makes that fear feel even more real to him.

Desperate to change the subject, Kitt notices a candle and learns Gail had meant to use it for Kai because of Ava's birthday. Kitt is shaken when he realizes he forgot the day and missed the remembrance he has never failed to share with Kai before. Overcome by guilt, grief, and the urge to retreat into writing, Kitt flees the kitchen and does not look back, resigned to being seen as mad.