The chapter opens with the execution of Igrain Crest, the former Cupbearer, in a private ceremony within the undercroft of Ascalon Palace. Crest shows no remorse, denouncing Aubrecht Lievelyn, Queen Rosarian, and Sabran before her death. After the execution, Roslain Crest receives the signet ring and is formally recognized as the new Duchess of Justice.

In the Privy Chamber, Sabran struggles with the revelation that she descends from Kalyba, the Lady of the Woods, rather than Cleolind. She fears that Kalyba's blood taints her and that her entire identity is built on a lie. Ead reassures her that the House of Berethnet's worth is not defined by its origins. A letter arrives from High Princess Ermuna of Brygstad, dated the third day of spring—confirming that the thousand-year binding of the Nameless One will expire imminently. Sabran and Ead agree that an embassy must be sent east immediately to forge the alliance and find the rising jewel. Ead agrees to wait for Sabran to arrange a proper diplomatic mission rather than going alone.

As Ead leaves Sabran and walks through the gallery below the Royal Solarium, she is ambushed by Nairuj, a Red Damsel sent by the Prioress to silence her. Nairuj shoots Ead with a poisoned dart—the "cruel sister"—and takes Ead's Priory ring. Ead manages to pull the dart from her belly and whispers the date of the Nameless One's return before losing consciousness. Sabran arrives moments later and finds Ead collapsing; Nairuj escapes over a balustrade.

Ead is carried to her bed, where the Royal Physician, Doctor Bourn, examines her but cannot identify the poison or how to cure it. He determines she has been placed into a deep, possibly irreversible sleep. Sabran is devastated, believing herself cursed, but Margret rallies her, insisting they will fight for Ead and refusing to hold her own wedding until Ead wakes. Loth volunteers to go east in Ead's place as Sabran's representative. Sabran instructs him to approach the Unceasing Emperor of the Lacustrine first, travel with an entourage of two hundred, and arrange for the Eastern dragons to meet on the Abyss on the third day of spring. After speaking to Ead one last time and reminding her of her promise to return, Sabran leaves the room with Loth. In the corridor, she finally breaks down and weeps.