After sleeping most of the day following Kai’s late-night visit, Paedyn submits to a Healer to close her wounds, the sensation painfully reminding her of her father who once healed her and shared butterscotch afterward. Ellie readies Paedyn for the ball in strained silence until Paedyn admits she feels hopeful; Ellie warns her to be careful with the prince because queens are not as easily forgiven as kings. Paedyn moves her engagement ring back to the correct finger, then learns from Ellie that Adena had a secret boyfriend from Loot during the previous Trials, which Adena planned to reveal after Paedyn was safe—a revelation that intensifies Paedyn’s grief.

Paedyn dresses in the silver gown Adena made, strapping on a thigh dagger and covering the “O” scar with a shawl. She meets King Kitt outside the ballroom; he notes her ring is now on the correct hand, and they make a public entrance. Kitt toasts her successful first Trial and the return of Queen Mareena’s crown, while Paedyn privately toasts surviving to see a united Ilya.

On the floor, Kitt is quickly surrounded by admirers, prompting Paedyn to reclaim his arm and demand a public dance to assert power as his betrothed. As she leads him to the dance floor, she spots a woman with lilac hair—Blair, the killer of Adena—and is consumed by rage.

Paedyn charges at Blair, intent on violence, but Kai grabs Paedyn around the waist to stop her. Lenny steps in, unmasked and visibly concerned, and warns Paedyn she cannot attack the general’s daughter in front of the court, reminding her of the cost to her impending queenship. Kai loosens his hold as Lenny pleads, saying he would stand between them if necessary, and then returns to Blair’s side.

Paedyn issues a cold warning to keep Blair away from her or she will not be stopped, then withdraws with Kai shadowing her. She quickly downs multiple flutes of champagne, choosing intoxicated contentment over grief and fury. When Kai asks what she is planning, Paedyn replies that she intends to have fun.