A public notice announces Tyrrendor’s representation has shifted from House Riorson to House Lewellen. In the aftermath of the challenge, Xaden brings Violet to Tyrrendor’s hall, locks the room, and directs her to sit. He initiates intimacy, using tenderness and their bond to center her, then stops short of reciprocation to demonstrate control and rebuke Cat’s claim that Violet is a mere placeholder.

When Violet offers to reciprocate, Xaden refuses, explaining he wants to prove he can worship her without taking, directly countering Cat’s accusation. He helps her dress and addresses the near‑killing: nothing she does would be unforgivable to him, but Cat is a volatile ally, and Violet would have regretted that choice. He emphasizes strategy over vengeance.

They confront Cat’s history with Xaden. He clarifies they were not engaged but briefly betrothed—about three‑quarters of a year—proved incompatible, and he ended it when Tecarus withheld the luminary. Xaden says he has only ever loved Violet. When Violet voices jealousy, he admits he would feel the same and insists their future is together.

Xaden then delivers hard truths: Cat did not plant emotions; she only amplified what Violet already felt. He pushes Violet to own her feelings and regain control. Violet admits she has felt unmoored since Resson—overwhelmed by power and failures. Xaden urges her to find her center and offers a practical defense: wear the daggers with intertwined Vs, which are runed to block Cat’s gift; she’d taken them off in Cordyn.

Discussing status, he rejects the notion he’s a king, noting he’s technically Duke of Aretia while Lewellen governs Tyrrendor. He vows Cat will never sit on that seat or wear a Tyrrish crown and reaffirms his love. They part for duties—his briefing and her class—with a promise to reunite that night.