Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of violence and death.

When Diem and Aemonn enter the ballroom, Diem studies the space and the guests and feels awed by the scene. Eleanor, Taran, and Lily eagerly greet her, and Diem then greets her guests. Each of the houses presents her with gifts, including a cloak, a healing potion, and a magic compass meant to guide her heart toward its truest desire. When Diem greets the Queen of Umbros, she recognizes her as the woman who gave her a prophecy “in the alley on the day [Auralie] went missing” (315). Unnerved, she dismisses the memory to focus on greeting the other houses and royals. When members of House Hanoverre and House Benette try to contest her right to the Crown, Diem calmly puts them in their places. However, she silently realizes that House Hanoverre’s remarks mean they are preparing for war.

After receiving her guests, Diem withdraws to a private room to have some wine and think. Then she overhears Iléana talking to Luther about her. Iléana insists that Diem isn’t the real queen and that Luther belongs on the throne with her by his side.