Summary

On marketplace day, Ani sneaks into the stables to find Falada. She hears some of Selia’s guards talking about the wedding and rumors of an impostor. They wonder what they will do when a Kildenree emissary arrives for the wedding, as they will recognize Selia. One of the guards says Selia has it taken care of, and the other hates being trapped in the castle. After they leave, Ani searches the stables before finding Falada bucking off a stranger. She tries to speak to him, but he does not respond. He ends up hitting her in the face with his head and she realizes he has gone mad. She is taken away and locked in a small room where she mourns the loss of Falada. A woman later arrives to take her to the king.

The king talks...