Kai, Kitt, and Paedyn travel by open coach over Loot’s cobblestones, largely silent except for brief, strained words. Kai seethes over the revelations that Paedyn is Queen Iris’s daughter and Kitt’s half sister, and that Calum was her father, while Calum’s blood is still being cleaned from the palace after Kitt killed him. He acknowledges his conflicted hope that Paedyn’s new status could free her from the marriage in practice, but commits to protecting Ilya regardless.

They arrive at a market-street platform hung with emerald banners and guarded by Imperials. Kai reflects on Ilya’s decline, blaming King Edric’s obsession with destroying Ordinaries for the kingdom’s deterioration. He notes the stark contrast between the palace finery and the slums’ poverty as Kitt reaches for Paedyn’s hand, which she hesitates to take.

The makeshift ceremony begins with a Scholar officiating. Kai forces himself to stand firm as vows and rings are exchanged, reminding himself he is Enforcer to both the king and queen. He balances love for his brother with his love for Paedyn, recognizing that Kitt’s happiness now includes Paedyn as his wife.

When the officiant presents Paedyn as queen consort, the crown from the Sanctuary of Souls is set on her head. A disturbance in the crowd prompts Kai to prepare the Imperials, but a cry of “Silver Savior!” reveals a surge of reverence rather than threat. Hundreds of slum dwellers kneel, honoring Paedyn as one of their own who has returned to lead them.

Paedyn composes herself, lifting her chin as murmurs of the Silver Savior ripple through the crowd. Kitt stands beside her as the Scholar concludes by naming Kitt as savior of Ilya as well. The moment affirms Paedyn’s popular legitimacy even as Kai reels from the personal ramifications of her becoming Paedyn Azer.

The ceremony ends with the royal couple stepping down from the platform. Kai, grounded by duty despite his inner turmoil, follows as their Enforcer.