Nesryn reflects on her complicated relationship with Chaol, recognizing his recent attention stems from guilt rather than genuine interest. Though she tells herself she’s fine being a placeholder for the other women in his life, her weariness is evident as she returns to the palace after a fruitless search for Valg activity. Seeking solitude, she climbs to the aerie where Kadara, Sartaq’s ruk, is feasting. The prince surprises her, revealing his network of spies and inquiring about her well-being. Their conversation hints at a growing connection, as Nesryn admits she enjoys his company despite her usual reserve.

Sartaq shares his own struggles with familial expectations, contrasting his deep bond with Kadara and the rukhin against the distrust among his royal siblings. Nesryn relates to the tension between duty and personal ties, having spent a draining day with her demanding family. The prince’s candidness about his isolation within the royal family surprises her, revealing a vulnerability that resonates with her own feelings of displacement. Their mutual understanding fosters a rare moment of openness between them.

The tone shifts as Sartaq reveals his imminent departure for the rukhin mountains to investigate the threats they previously discussed. He extends a hesitant invitation for Nesryn to join him, acknowledging the risks but emphasizing the brevity of the journey. Though eager to accept, she insists on consulting Chaol first, maintaining their partnership despite her personal turmoil. The arrival of servants with supplies confirms the urgency of his departure, leaving Nesryn startled by his near-disappearance without farewell.

Their final exchange crackles with unspoken tension as Sartaq admits he assumed she’d be preoccupied with Chaol after the previous night’s events. His teasing remark about taking “all day” flusters Nesryn, though the moment is interrupted by the bustling preparations for his journey. The chapter closes with their dynamic poised between professional alliance and budding intimacy, as Nesryn faces a pivotal choice between duty and the allure of adventure with the prince.

The chapter opens with Nesryn reflecting on her complex feelings towards Chaol, recognizing that his recent interest in her is driven by guilt rather than genuine affection. She is aware of her role as a substitute for other women in his life and tries to convince herself that she is fine with this arrangement. As she navigates the bustling streets of Antica and approaches the palace, Nesryn’s internal conflict is evident. Her cautious demeanor underscores her emotional tension, especially as she prepares to face the palace’s intimidating environment amid the oppressive late afternoon heat. Her resolve to find some peace amid her duties is palpable, yet her vulnerability remains hidden beneath her outward composure.

Inside the palace, Nesryn encounters Kadara, the ruk, who provides a moment of levity and companionship. Her interaction with Sartaq, the prince, reveals a nuanced relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Sartaq’s presence is both reassuring and intriguing; his calm demeanor and candid conversation highlight his integrity and the depth of his character. Nesryn’s surprise at Sartaq’s knowledge of her whereabouts suggests her growing trust in him, even as she grapples with her desire for solitude and the need for connection. Their exchange underscores the tension between her personal longing for quiet and her sense of obligation within the political and familial spheres she inhabits.

As the conversation progresses, Sartaq shares his intentions to leave for the rukhin mountains to seek answers to pressing questions. He offers Nesryn the opportunity to accompany him on this journey, emphasizing it will last only a few weeks. She considers the proposal carefully, knowing her responsibilities and the importance of discussing such a decision with her allies. Sartaq’s sincerity and the prospect of a shared adventure present a rare moment of genuine camaraderie amidst the political machinations. Their dialogue reveals underlying themes of trust, loyalty, and the search for truth, which are central to the chapter’s narrative tension.

The chapter concludes with a sense of impending departure and the emotional complexity of parting ways. Sartaq prepares to leave with his supplies, and Nesryn contemplates the significance of his offer. The scene is tinged with a quiet farewell, emphasizing the transient nature of alliances and the personal sacrifices involved. Sartaq’s playful remark about the time he would take to say goodbye hints at the deeper bond forming between them. As servants arrive with supplies for the journey, the chapter ends with a mixture of anticipation and unresolved feelings, setting the stage for the challenges and revelations that lie ahead.