Kai paces in Kitt’s study, furious that the court insists Paedyn must sail to Izram, calling the mission a death wish designed to see her fail. Easel stresses there is no alternative, and Calum argues the journey will impress the people more than retrieving the crown. Kai derides the premise of delivering roses, prompting Paedyn to speak up about their medicinal value and Izram’s difficulty growing them, demonstrating the mission’s practical purpose.

Kitt frames the voyage as a peace offering to Queen Zailah, with Paedyn reintroducing Ilya as an ally now that borders are open. Kai challenges the safety of crossing the Shallows, recalling Jax’s parents’ fatal shipwreck, but Kitt insists ships have improved and Elites, including Teles and Hydros, will be aboard with added precautions. Easel mentions myths of altered creatures from the Plague; Paedyn connects this to the unnaturally large bats she saw in the crypt, and Calum concedes genetic mutations are possible, though the sea monster remains unproven.

When asked if she is up for the task, Paedyn says she lacks a real choice but will do it for the people. Kai immediately declares he will accompany her as Enforcer, arguing the crew could harm an Ordinary queen and stage it as an accident. He appeals to Kitt’s duty, saying Kitt cannot risk himself, so Kai should be risked instead. Paedyn supports this, telling Kitt she wishes he could come but needs protection if he cannot.

After tense deliberation, Kitt agrees that Kai will accompany Paedyn. Easel sets the departure for early the day after tomorrow. Kai promises to bring Paedyn back to Kitt, and despite the personal strain, all parties accept the arrangement and break to prepare.

Leaving the study, Kai encounters Blair outside her room. She needles him about Paedyn and Kitt, provoking Kai to pin her to the wall with Telekinesis he borrows from her power, warning her not to speak about Paedyn that way. Blair’s expression shifts as she realizes Kai is in love with Paedyn, a truth he cannot deny.

Lenny arrives with food and hurriedly herds Blair back into her room amid her sarcastic barbs. Alone, Kai instructs Lenny to keep Blair out of sight for Paedyn’s sake, acknowledging she cannot remain locked away forever but insisting Paedyn needs time. Kai departs to prepare for the imminent voyage.