Kai narrates from an open coach where he sits opposite King Kitt Azer and Paedyn Gray, whose knees touch as they perform a public show of betrothal. The three exchange teasing childhood anecdotes that briefly restore a sense of brotherly ease between Kai and Kitt, until a mention of Kai’s fall from Ava’s willow sharpens Kitt’s mood and underscores the unresolved strain created by both brothers’ feelings for Paedyn.

The procession enters the affluent upper city lined with Offensive Elites. Residents emerge holding fliers and react to Paedyn with disgust and betrayal. Kitt maintains a kingly smile and wave, while Paedyn sits composed but shaken, and Kai seethes at the crowd’s hostility. The couple continues their performance, leaning into one another for the sake of appearances as Kai watches, unable to intervene.

Kitt quietly notes the apparent decrease in Offensive Elites along the route, while Paedyn suggests many may be avoiding her. After they pass the worst of the crowd, Kitt praises Paedyn’s composure, but she insists the people will never accept an Ordinary as queen. Kitt claims acceptance will take time, but Paedyn argues that after three decades without Ordinaries, the kingdom needs much more.

When Kai suggests discussing matters privately at the castle, Paedyn presses to visit the slums, pointing out that any remaining Ordinaries live there and that the union is supposed to include them. Kitt responds coolly, recalling how Paedyn previously used a slum visit to help the Resistance locate tunnels into the Bowl, implying betrayal.

Paedyn apologizes for using that opportunity but explains she did what she could as an Ordinary to aid the Resistance. She reminds Kitt that she showed him her home to humanize the people there and warns him not to let power erase that truth. Her boldness hits a nerve, and Kitt confronts his lingering guilt over being deceived and the consequences in the Bowl.

After a beat, Kitt concedes that Paedyn is right and, without consulting Kai, orders the coaches turned toward the slums. The horses halt, soldiers obey, and Paedyn smiles, as the royal procession redirects to include the Ordinaries’ quarter in the parade.