The marriage of Queen Sabran the Ninth and High Prince Aubrecht Lievelyn takes place at midnight in the Great Sanctuary of Briar House. Sabran hesitates at the threshold before proceeding down the aisle, visibly tense but composed. The ceremony follows Inysh tradition: the couple exchange love-knot rings and vows of companionship before the Arch Sanctarian, who pronounces them wed. Ead observes from among the candle-bearers, noting the reactions of the Dukes Spiritual—Seyton Combe's satisfaction, Igrain Crest's stony reserve—and exchanges a glance with Ambassador Chassar when the Arch Sanctarian calls Cleolind a heretic.

After the ceremony, Ead, Margret, and Linora prepare the Royal Bedchamber for the consummation, ensuring warmth, candles, and a fertility apple. Ead secretly tucks a rose behind Sabran's pillow. Roslain then summons Ead to help disrobe the queen in the Withdrawing Chamber. As the ladies undress Sabran, the queen voices deep anxieties: fear that she cannot conceive, grief over Loth's absence and Lady Baywatch's recent death, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Roslain and Katryen reassure her, while Ead observes Sabran's vulnerability beneath her queenly mask.

Sabran is escorted to the Royal Bedchamber, where Lievelyn waits. Sir Tharian Lintley formally yields his guard post for the night. The ladies and grooms withdraw, and the five women keep vigil outside the door. Roslain grows anxious, recounting how Sabran the Eighth was abused by her companion, but Ead reminds them all to stay watchful. Eventually they hear the consummation take place.

The next morning, Lievelyn departs and the ladies attend Sabran, who reports that the night went well and that Lievelyn was attentive. Sabran anxiously asks whether she might already be with child. Ead cautions about false pregnancies, impressing Sabran with practical knowledge. While helping rinse Sabran's hair, Sabran catches Ead's wrist, thanks her for the rose, and kisses her on the cheek. Then Sabran announces that Ead Duryan is to be raised to the position of Lady of the Bedchamber.