Jude tells the guards the undersea is coming, and they rush to protect Cardan. The selkies gather and deliver Cardan a message: If he does not marry Nicasia, their worlds will be at war. After the message is delivered, the party continues, and Cardan calls a meeting with the Living Council.

As Jude goes to gather the council members, she finds a note from Madoc to meet beforehand. They discuss Jude’s ability to lie and break vows, and he encourages her to back his plans. She declines the alliance but agrees that they both want to prevent the marriage between Cardan and Nicasia.

The Living Council meets, and the members discuss the Undersea threat. Madoc asks Jude to speak, arguing that she tried to warn them, and no one listened. She explains that Balekin is receiving messages in his cell, and they consider their strategies. Cardan summons Nicasia to the room.

When she arrives, Cardan is angry with her and rejects her mother’s threats. Nicasia attempts to convince him of the wisdom of an alliance. After she leaves, Cardan throws the others out but commands Jude to stay.