Ellie helps Paedyn dress for court, urging her to look pleasant, while Paedyn hides the branded O above her heart and the scar on her neck. Paedyn refuses Ellie’s help at first, then relents, and the two share a brief, gentle moment remembering Adena; Ellie calls Paedyn hardened and says she looks like a queen. Paedyn’s thoughts linger on guilt, her marred body, and the weight of the ring marking her engagement to King Kitt.

In the throne room, Paedyn sits at the crowded council table between King Kitt and Enforcer Kai, feeling the pull toward Kai but aware of their separation. Kitt arrives and opens the meeting, signaling he will address past misunderstandings and his decisions. Paedyn braces herself, determined to appear strong before hostile nobles.

Kitt publicly declares that the Healers’ story about an undetectable disease in Ordinary blood weakening Elites was a lie. He explains King Edric banished Ordinaries to preserve Elite strength when Ilya was weak before the Plague, but that decision has now left Ilya resource-starved. Kitt announces Ordinaries will be welcomed back into Ilya, citing the need to save the kingdom, which triggers uproar from the court.

Kai silences the room with a threat, allowing Kitt to continue. Kitt says he learned of Edric’s deceit and, after speaking with Calum, recognized the Resistance as a voice for harmless Ordinaries. When a spokesperson raises fears of diluting Elite power through interbreeding, Kitt counters that there may be benefits and that few Ordinaries would willingly procreate with Elites.

When a courtier points at Paedyn and questions the royal heirs, Kitt defends his judgment, stating any reduction in power is a small price for a thriving kingdom. Another noble calls Paedyn a criminal and a king killer, prompting Kitt to assert that Paedyn acted in self-defense when Edric, concussed and confused, came after her. Paedyn privately relives the violence she has committed, feeling the burden of those deaths.

Kitt then outlines concrete steps: fliers will broadcast the engagement and policy across Ilya and beyond; messengers will be sent to Dor and Tando, with efforts to reach Izram; and a celebratory parade will occur in two days. He orders Ordinaries within and outside the kingdom to be welcomed. He dismisses the court, then pointedly offers his hand to Paedyn as they leave together.

As Paedyn takes Kitt’s hand, she catches Kai watching their touch darkly. Walking out with Kitt, Paedyn silently begs Kai to understand that the display is an act—“Pretend”—underscoring their unresolved connection amid the political theater.