Following Oak's surprise engagement announcement, Wren remains silent, allowing the gambit to stand. Bogdana growls in displeasure but quickly pivots to insist on a proper wedding in Elfhame. Randalin offers congratulations, framing the match as wise statecraft, while the Ghost and Grima Mog probe Wren's intentions with careful skepticism. Tiernan keeps his hand on his sword, wary of treachery.

Wren offers the emissaries hot drinks and accommodations. When Randalin reminds Wren of vows she made to the High Court, she chillingly suggests she could unravel such a promise, horrifying the Folk. Bogdana pushes for an immediate journey to Elfhame, even proposing the wedding take place at once; Wren refuses but agrees to travel to Elfhame in exchange for the army's withdrawal. Grima Mog departs to inform her troops, her exit serving as a test of Wren's good faith. The Ghost subtly warns Wren against bringing Bogdana, and Wren hints she may leave the storm hag behind to watch the Citadel.

Privately, Wren confronts Oak, calling his maneuver a delay of the inevitable, and orders Hyacinthe to escort him back to his rooms and bring the bridle to her chambers. In the stairwell, Hyacinthe slams Oak against the wall, furious at being manipulated. Oak goads him, accusing him of taking out his bitterness on Tiernan. Hyacinthe punches him repeatedly; Oak nearly draws his hidden knife before forcing himself to drop it, frightened by the violent fugue rising in him.

Tiernan arrives with sword drawn, defusing the fight. As Oak retreats up the stairs, he overhears Tiernan confront Hyacinthe about repeatedly setting aside his duty for him, and about Hyacinthe's endless vengeance for his father's death—a death by his father's own hand. Hyacinthe confesses he believed he was doomed to lose Tiernan. Tiernan replies that love isn't earned by deserving it, and the two reconcile as Oak quietly continues upward.