Chapter 16

Summary

• The protagonist enjoys a bath and has her hair brushed by Alis, while drinking molten chocolate.
• Alis is concerned with questions about faeries crossing borders and potential war, urging the protagonist not to ask such questions.
• The protagonist is curious about the High Lords’ control over their subjects and the presence of malicious creatures.
• The protagonist contemplates the necessity of warning her family about the risks of war and blight.
• Alis insists that the protagonist should remain ignorant of certain matters, referencing her reckless behavior earlier.
• The protagonist learns of Alis’s personal tragedy involving her sister and the importance of her nephews, questioning faerie aging.
• Alis provides insight into the rarity and slow aging of faerie children in her lineage.
• At dinner, Lucien and Tamlin are already at the table, and Lucien gives a subtle indication of acknowledgment regarding a secret.
• Lucien jests about the protagonist's rough day, making an apology, while she pokes fun at faeries' inability to lie.
• Lucien reveals that faeries can indeed lie and do not have a weakness to iron.
• The protagonist doubts the truthfulness of statements made by faeries, including those from the Suriel.
• Discussions at dinner reveal a history where faeries allied with humans in a war, a fact that surprises the protagonist.
• Tamlin assures her that her family believes her to be on an errand for a wealthy aunt, with altered memories for their safety.
• The protagonist wrestles with the implications of Tamlin's actions to protect her family and their memories.
• The protagonist requests art supplies to paint, expressing a passion she hadn't revealed before.
• Tamlin eagerly agrees to provide art supplies and space for painting, saying the house could use the mess.
• Tamlin invites the protagonist to visit the estate's gallery in two days, a personal and warm invitation.