Chapter 43

The group returns to Velaris after the human queens reject their initial overtures for peace. Rhys decides to use the Veritas—a truth-revealing orb held by Mor's family in the Court of Nightmares—to show the queens proof of Velaris's existence and beauty. Azriel will steal the orb during their visit to the Hewn City. Rhys reveals Mor's traumatic past and expresses concern about Feyre witnessing his darker persona during the mission.

After returning to Velaris, the group gathers in the garden courtyard to discuss the human queens' demand for proof of good intentions. Cassian suggests deposing the current rulers, but Rhys dismisses this due to time constraints and the risk of affecting the Book's magic, which must be given freely. Azriel confirms his spies could not breach the palace. Mor volunteers to negotiate further, but Azriel firmly refuses, warning the palace is designed to trap Fae. Rhys recounts the story of Miryam and Drakon—a half-Fae female slave and foreign prince who fell in love during the War and are now living in hidden peace—but refuses to use them as proof, as it would betray their desire for obscurity and wouldn't prove his own character. Instead, Rhys announces they will show the queens Velaris itself using the Veritas, a magical truth-orb belonging to Mor's family in the Court of Nightmares. The plan: Mor, Cassian, and Feyre will serve as distractions while Azriel steals the orb from Mor's father's chambers. The mission is set for the next afternoon. Later, Feyre walks toward the Rainbow district but ultimately turns back, uncertain about investing in a city that may be destroyed in coming conflict. Rhys is waiting when she returns, conflicted about bringing her into the Hewn City. He warns that his demeanor will be different—the mask of the High Lord—and fears she will see him as a monster again. Feyre agrees to help. Rhys then reveals why Mor appeared disturbed: years ago, her father betrothed her to Eris of the Autumn Court. To escape the marriage, Mor slept with Cassian. When Eris rejected her, calling her sullied, her own family brutally punished her and left her to die on the Autumn Court border. Azriel found her. Feyre, moved by this revelation and Rhys's protective rage, takes his hand and commits to the mission ahead.