Chapter 22

Summary

• The protagonist wakes feeling empty after a restless night.
• She takes a long bath and finds a bruise from Tamlin's bite on her neck.
• Instead of covering the bruise, she chooses to display it as a form of silent protest against Tamlin's brutish behavior.
• She enters the dining room where Tamlin and Lucien are, making it clear that she isn’t hiding the bruise.
• Lucien observes the bruise and questions Tamlin about it; Tamlin admits to biting the protagonist.
• The protagonist and Tamlin argue, leading her to call him a “Faerie pig” before leaving the room.
• She paints unflattering portraits of Tamlin and Lucien but ends up feeling happy that the Tamlin she knew has returned.
• At dinner, Tamlin apologizes by bringing her roses, and she goes to sleep peacefully.
• The next night, the protagonist prepares for an event, changing her usual attire for an elegant dress.
• Lucien quickly excuses himself, leaving her alone with Tamlin.
• Tamlin magically shortens their dining table for a more intimate setting, displaying his powers but hinting at some difficulty in performing magic.
• There is a tension-filled exchange where attraction and deeper emotions are hinted at between the two.
• They discuss the personal significance of a painting and the protagonist's past, revealing Tamlin's desire to keep her by his side for safety.
• Tamlin reflects on his position as High Lord and the burdens he bears, but he insists that the protagonist cannot help with those burdens.
• The protagonist leads Tamlin to her painting room to show him her artwork, which are personal reflections of her life and experiences.
• Tamlin chooses a painting that reminds him he is not alone in his struggles, and the protagonist is touched by this admission.
• The chapter ends with the protagonist leaving her bedroom door unlocked, suggesting a willingness for closer intimacy with Tamlin.