In the aftermath of the throne room announcement and being found in a compromising position with Kai Azer, Paedyn follows Ellie through the castle. Paedyn’s inner monologue cycles through shock, bitter humor, and the crushing reality of being an Ordinary who is now betrothed to King Kitt Azer. She recognizes that despite surviving fatherlessness, powerlessness, and Adena’s death, the ring on her finger may be the most dangerous burden.

Ellie brings Paedyn to the opulent queen’s quarters, explaining these are the new rooms and that the dowager queen, Iris, is in the west wing near the infirmary. The luxury contrasts with Paedyn’s memories of the slums and the Fort she shared with Adena, triggering grief over Adena’s death in the Bowl. On the balcony, Paedyn recalls her changing relationship with Kitt—from friend during the Trials, to foe, to future husband—and recoils at the implications.

Ellie offers to serve as Paedyn’s lady’s maid, and Paedyn accepts with reluctant humor. While Ellie cleans the blood from Paedyn’s skin, they discuss Paedyn’s chopped hair—kept uneven as a memorial to Adena—and the hostility she expects from the court and staff. Ellie insists the kitchen will not dare harm her now that Kitt has claimed her as his bride.

Ellie describes Kitt’s behavior after his coronation: he secluded himself, even dumping food out the window, grieving King Edric’s death. She says Calum initially spent time in the dungeons but later spoke with Kitt in his study, helping him understand conditions in the kingdom. Paedyn, skeptical yet hopeful, concludes Kitt may be acting pragmatically to save Ilya but sees potential to use this alliance—with Calum’s counsel—to end segregation and reform the kingdom.

Paedyn notes her pack and the journal of Adam Gray, the Resistance leader she once believed was her father, which revealed he was not truly her father. She asks about Resistance prisoners; Ellie believes some were in the dungeons after the final Trial but has no recent news. Paedyn decides to seek out Kitt and Calum immediately to learn why she was spared and what comes next.

Ellie insists Paedyn must bathe before appearing publicly. As Paedyn heads to the washroom, she urgently asks about Lenny, whom she saw during her flight across the Scorches. Ellie reveals Lenny is in the castle but refuses to give details until after Paedyn bathes, leaving Paedyn determined but momentarily delayed.