Kai recounts the private debate following the parade bombing, when court spokesman Easel proposed Trials for Paedyn Gray. Calum supported the idea and pressed King Kitt Azer to accept. Kai pleaded with Paedyn not to risk her life, but Paedyn firmly decided to enter the Trials, stating it was the only way to prove herself to the kingdom. When Kai asked what if she died, Paedyn said, "Then they will have been right about me. I'm a weakness," a line that continued to haunt Kai.

Time shifts to the throne room gathering. Kai, newly restored as Enforcer and wearing the Enforcer’s ring, stood on the dais before the assembled court, waiting for Kitt. Kitt entered with Paedyn on his arm, signaling their engagement and her status as the future queen. Kai noted Paedyn’s composed yet weathered presence in a white dress that underscored her role as bride-to-be.

Kitt addressed the court about the slum attack and the resistance to his reforms and Paedyn’s queenship. Acknowledging the court’s doubts, Kitt announced that Paedyn would compete in a new series of Trials so the court could judge her strength and suitability as ruler. He declared the Trials would test the three B’s—bravery, benevolence, and brutality—principles associated with former King Edric Azer, and that these Trials were solely for Paedyn.

Kitt added that fliers would be posted across the city, emphasizing that this was an internal Ilyan matter while other kingdoms would be told Ilya had accepted an Ordinary queen. He set the first Trial for three days hence. The court reacted with excitement and approval, many anticipating Paedyn’s failure or death, while Kai internally recognized he could only endure if Paedyn survived.

Paedyn stepped forward and spoke to the court. She admitted she had not sought queenship and had only ever wanted to survive, but she would fight for a better kingdom where Ordinaries and Elites lived side by side. She promised to show bravery, benevolence, and brutality, to survive the Trials, and challenged the court’s disdain, telling them to bow with a sneer if they must because she would not see their expressions with their faces to the ground.

Her declaration left the court transfixed and Kitt mutedly surprised. Paedyn then linked her arm with Kitt’s again, and together they exited the throne room, with Kai watching, torn between duty and devotion.