Chapter 81

At a formal dinner with Poromiel's triumvirate, tensions escalate as the hosts propose a contract marriage between Xaden and Cat to forge political alliances. Xaden refuses and declares his commitment to Violet instead. The conversation becomes a test of wisdom and judgment, which the group partially passes, but then dessert arrives—and Garrick collapses after eating poisoned cake, apparently not breathing.

Violet and her companions attend a ceremonial dinner with Nairi, Roslyn, and Faris of Poromiel's triumvirate, along with Xaden's mother Talia. The hosts serve a formal meal and conduct what becomes an unofficial test, questioning why the young riders have not formed strategic marriage alliances. Nairi and Roslyn push for Xaden to contract with Cat for three to four years to secure Tyrrendor's heir and cement political ties. Xaden flatly refuses, declaring Violet the only woman he will ever commit to and criticizing his mother for abandoning him after his father's death. The conversation shifts when Mira points out the triumvirate's true indifference to their cause, prompting them to produce jade stones and ask the group to evaluate their city. Violet observes that while Poromiel's capital is beautiful and efficient, it destroyed historical neighborhoods and shows intolerance for the imperfect. Aaric, speaking for the first time, expresses skepticism about the alliance entirely, noting the group's real need is knowledge about the irids and venin. Both Roslyn and Faris seem intrigued by Violet's bond with Andarna, a seventh-breed dragon. When dessert arrives—chocolate cake Talia claims to have been preparing—Violet notices the four triumvirate members lack forks. Garrick begins eating and quickly collapses, apparently ceasing to breathe. Xaden and Aaric react in alarm as Violet realizes Talia knew of their arrival in advance and the entire dinner may have been an elaborate trap.