The Summit continues with tedious trade negotiations after Sandriel announces the Asteri have ordered more troops to the front from every House—an edict no one can challenge. The discussions circle endlessly over semantics, boring nearly everyone in attendance, though both Ruhn and Hunt remain attentive. Ruhn reflects on the shock of discovering that Queen Hypaxia, the young witch-queen and his would-be betrothed, is the same woman he'd been speaking with for weeks without knowing her identity. In a prior confrontation, Hypaxia explained she had come to Crescent City discreetly to investigate rumors of evil stirring, and she coolly dismissed any notion of an arranged marriage, telling Ruhn she is not considering such changes "with anyone."

On this day, Sandriel announces that Micah has been called away—presumably by the Asteri—and takes charge of the proceedings. She pushes the mer to accept a canal project for transporting war machines and maintaining supply lines. Captain Tharion Ketos pushes back, arguing the project would destroy oyster beds and kelp forests critical to the fishing industry. Queen Hypaxia supports Tharion's position with historical precedent: coral and kelp beds destroyed during the Sorvakkian Wars two thousand years ago have never recovered, and the promised compensation to the mer was only temporary. Sandriel dismisses Hypaxia's argument as "bleeding-heart nonsense," but in a remarkable moment, it is Sandriel who breaks eye contact first. The Autumn King takes note of Hypaxia's audacity, reassessing her potential as a bride for Ruhn or as a political threat.

Jesiba Roga, who has been largely silent except to declare that the House of Flame and Shadow thrives on death and war, gives Hypaxia a small smile of acknowledgment. After Sandriel moves on to other topics, Tharion and Hypaxia share a brief, secretive exchange—Tharion flashes a paper covered in tally marks, which makes Hypaxia blush with reproach and disbelief. Ruhn turns his attention back to his father's speech, resigned that Sandriel and Micah will ultimately get what they want and nothing will change.

From Hunt's perspective, the Summit is equally tedious, but he tries to savor these relatively calm days, knowing Pollux is waiting for the chance to brutalize him once the veneer of civility drops. Hunt notes that his wings have healed and believes they could carry him if he gets the chance to fly. He hopes the holdout delegations—the Fae, the mer, and the witches—will stall the Summit's conclusion for a few more days, buying him precious time before his fate under Sandriel truly begins.