Chapter 36

Feyre spends the day with Tarquin, touring his treasure vaults beneath the palace in search of the Book of Breathings while deliberately distancing herself from Rhysand. She receives a gift of black diamonds from Tarquin and learns he desires her alliance, but fails to locate the Book. Upon returning to her room, Rhysand confronts her about her behavior, revealing his jealousy and vulnerability about his own capacity for love.

Feyre wakes troubled and resolves to find the Book, viewing herself as a weapon in Rhysand's mission. She avoids him at breakfast and spends time in the bath practicing control over Tarquin's water power. Nuala dresses her in colors matching Tarquin's court, and when Rhysand arrives with Amren and Cresseida, Feyre deliberately ignores him. Tarquin gives her a private tour of vast treasure vaults carved beneath the palace, revealing heirlooms and artifacts. He gifts her a necklace of black diamonds and confides his hope that she will serve as his ally to Rhysand, sharing that Rhysand once spared his life out of mercy. Feyre searches the vaults for the Book but finds none, then explores additional chambers with Tarquin, including one containing books that holds nothing useful. Back in her room, Rhysand confronts her about her closeness with Tarquin. Feyre accuses him of sleeping with Cresseida, but Rhysand reveals he only accompanied Cresseida for information and did not lay with her. He admits his jealousy stems from Feyre's genuine smile for Tarquin and his own awareness that unlike Tarquin, he can never offer safety—only a dream worth the price. The tension resolves when Feyre toasts to their shared dreams and vulnerability.