Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, sexual violence, physical abuse, and sexual content.

Sara is summoned to Queen Gertrude’s quarters, and Tristan is also there. He and Sara do not speak. Sara is angry because she knows that Queen Gertrude was present when Michael hanged Sara’s father. Now, Gertrude rudely insults Sara’s appearance. When the queen questions Sara about her father, Sara realizes that Gertrude does not even remember who he was. As Tristan interacts combatively with his mother, Sara realizes that the two have a contentious relationship. Sara asks Gertrude if she enjoys not having her duties anymore since the queen has retired to a cottage in the middle of nowhere. Gertrude is offended but says nothing. Tristan touches Sara’s neck discreetly, and instead of shifting away, she leans into his touch.

Tristan observes how Sara handles his mother and knows that she embodies exactly what he needs in a queen. He reflects, “[T]he thought of my brother having her at his side when it turns out she’s so valuable makes bile tease the back of my throat. Violence thrums in my veins, urging me to kill him now and steal her for my own” (169).