Chapter 59

The queens of the human realm arrive for a crucial meeting where Feysand must secure their alliance against Hybern. After a tense negotiation, the golden queen secretly leaves behind the second half of the Book of Breathings, revealing that she believes in their cause while her sisters remain opposed. Nesta and Elain are offered sanctuary in Velaris, with Nesta choosing to go while Elain opts to remain behind.

Feysand receive the eldest and golden-haired queens in the human realm, standing united and hand in hand to project strength. When the queens initially threaten to withdraw over Nesta's previous insult, Feysand counters by demonstrating the stakes of war. The golden queen questions the fairness of Fae immortality for a human-turned-immortal, while the eldest demands proof of their intentions. Mor reveals the Veritas orb, displaying Velaris through the gem to prove the truth of Rhys's claims about his secret city. The queens remain unmoved by this extraordinary gesture of trust, claiming they need time to deliberate. Nesta unexpectedly confronts them, passionately urging them to provide the Book of Breathings so the humans have a fighting chance, even breaking her hard exterior to beg "please." Cassian responds by declaring he will defend Nesta's people, moving her deeply with his words and touch. The queens depart without committing, but Feysand discovers the golden queen has secretly left behind a lead box containing the second half of the Book of Breathings. Her note reveals she believes in Rhys's love and the cause of peace, instructing them to claim theft as her cover. She also warns that the sixth queen was never ill. Rhys immediately offers Nesta and Elain the choice to join them in Velaris or remain under Fae guard. Nesta chooses to go, finally understanding why Feysande had painted stars on her drawer—as a symbol of hope for escape.