Paedyn readies for her wedding, noting how regal she looks and accepting her fate. Ellie helps with her hair and dress and leaves when Paedyn asks for a moment alone. Kitt arrives outside Paedyn’s door, not entering but leaving Queen Iri’s jewelry box so Paedyn can wear something of his mother’s; Paedyn accepts the gesture.

Paedyn finds and reads Kai’s heartfelt note, in which Kai thanks the Plague only because it led him to her, calls her his inevitable, and signs it with love. Overwhelmed, she hides the letter as Calum arrives to escort her to the ceremony, reminding her to take it one step at a time. Paedyn leaves without selecting jewelry from the box.

Approaching the throne room, Paedyn hopes for a last-minute interruption, but the doors open and the wedding begins. She walks the aisle with Calum, confronting her lack of love for Kitt and her love for Kai. On the dais, among roses and before the court, the Scholar begins the vows while Paedyn searches the crowd for Kai and for any reprieve.

Kitt appears resolved and answers “I do.” When asked, Paedyn hesitates but ultimately also says “I do,” accepting duty over desire. Kitt gently kisses her to seal the union. The Scholar proclaims her queen consort, placing the restored crown of Queen Mareena—recovered in Paedyn’s first Trial—upon her head, and presents the couple to the court.

As Paedyn and Kitt process down the aisle, Kai appears in the doorway, breathless, having come despite promising not to watch. He realizes he is too late and gives Paedyn a small, letting-go smile. Paedyn understands he intended to save her and is devastated by the finality of their separation.