In the aftermath of the High Western's attack on Ascalon Palace, Ead watches over Sabran as the queen recovers from her injuries and the devastating loss of her unborn daughter, Glorian. A Mentish expert in Draconic anatomy determines that the barb from the White Wyrm has left Sabran permanently unable to bear a living child. Only the Dukes Spiritual, the Ladies of the Bedchamber, and the Royal Physician know this secret — the House of Berethnet will end with Sabran the Ninth.

Sabran spirals into grief and despair, lashing out at her attendants and contemplating the collapse of Virtudom, civil war, and the approaching Nameless One. She reveals to Ead that she once asked Niclays Roos to create an elixir of youth so she would never have to bear a child, and banished him when he failed. In her darkest moment, Sabran asks Ead to buy her a poison called "the dowager" from the shadow market. Ead refuses absolutely, telling Sabran she cannot kill herself for the sake of the realm. This refusal breaks through Sabran's walls, and the two women share an intimate kiss that deepens into a night of lovemaking — a consummation of feelings Ead realizes she has harbored for months.

The next morning, Sabran questions whether Ead acted out of duty or genuine desire. Ead assures her it was her own choice, and Sabran smiles truly for the first time. Ead encourages Sabran to rise and face her court. Sabran summons the Dukes Spiritual, begins planning military preparations against future Draconic attacks, and resumes governing — though she remains physically weak. Their secret relationship continues nightly behind the bed drapes.

As days pass, Ead recognizes she cannot abandon Sabran despite the Priory's wishes. She writes a coded letter to Ambassador Chassar, summoning him to Inys so she can explain in person why she must stay. The chapter ends ominously when Sir Tharian Lintley informs Ead that Lord Seyton Combe — the Night Hawk — has summoned her to a meeting, suggesting new political danger.