Ellin pounds on the door as Genevieve finishes dressing and sees herself in an opalescent lilac-tinged wedding gown, stunning even to her despite her dread. Ellin and Sevin banter in the corridor; Ellin covers the mirror to shield Genevieve from potential unseen watchers and promises to fix her a drink, reminding Genevieve not to feed the family’s egos.

Back in the drawing room, Ellin explains the outdoor garden ceremony is Rowin’s choice, warns that everything may be watched by Knox, and outlines Hunt incentives: the annual winner gains a year of freedom, while a separate spectator vote crowns a Favored who receives a boon from Knox’s treasure. She notes Covin won Favored last year and chose a lewd potion.

Grave arrives with Wells, hostile to the sham marriage and fixating on Genevieve. Ellin rebukes him, arguing that exposing the ruse to Knox would be dangerous and bigger than Grave’s rivalry with Rowin. When asked how she came to Enchantra, Genevieve says she came to return Barrington’s correspondence and identifies her mother as Tessie Grimm, surprising everyone, including Sevin who recognizes the name.

Genevieve reveals Tessie died a few months ago, which devastates Barrington when he enters in formal attire. Genevieve defers further explanation until after the wedding. Barrington quickly assigns tasks: Wells and Sevin will help him open the doors and gate; Ellin will escort Genevieve through the snow; Knox will return any minute.

Grave rages that the family is enabling Rowin, but Barrington orders him out and warns that exposing the sham to Knox could bring dire consequences for the whole family. Grave leaves with a scowl and a bottle, and Sevin offers Genevieve a wry welcome to the family as they proceed toward the ceremony.