Before {{user}} leaves the house, she talks with her stepmother. {{user}} learns that her stepbrother, Oak, is actually Prince Dain’s child, thought to be poisoned with his mother. In truth, {{user}}’s stepmother cut the baby from her friend’s womb to save his life. She and Madoc have raised him as their own son. {{user}} knows that Madoc plans to use Oak to gain more power in Faerie. He will rule as regent until Oak is old enough to reign. {{user}}’s stepmother begs her to stop the plan as she fears Oak will be killed in the power struggle, and she loves the boy.

When {{user}} returns to Prince Cardan she finds he has charmed the spies she left to guard him. They are drinking and playing cards. Furious, she drags him into another room to question him. As she has a crossbow aimed at his heart, and because faeries cannot lie, she finally learns the truth. Cardan acts like he hates her because he is infatuated with her. {{user}} makes him swear an oath that he will serve her for a year and a day. He will crown Oak king, and then {{user}} and Vivi will hide their brother for his safety.