Arthur’s public address and food-relief campaign initially succeed. Vera, Lancelot, and Matilda distribute supplies and are greeted as heroes, though Vera remains withdrawn. After a few hopeful days, panic resurges as merchants gouge prices and citizens stockpile food. Arthur institutes rationing, but morale plummets. When a cold front arrives on the sixth day, the people’s mood seems to grow chilly as well. Wary of worsening public behavior, Lancelot now always keeps his hand on his sword.

While waiting in line for firewood, Matilda reveals to Vera that she and Lancelot have noticed people treating Vera poorly. Arthur and Percival are already investigating the matter. Lancelot brings over a young couple, Roger and Helene, who ask Vera to bless their newborn daughter, Guinevere. After Arthur explains that this is customary, Vera performs the blessing. The couple reveals that they named the baby after the queen who saved their town during the final battle, leaving Vera feeling like an imposter. While holding the baby, she bonds with their toddler son, teaching him to call his sister “Vera.”

A man bumps into Vera and then turns on her with spite, calling the baby a “bastard” and accusing Vera of bearing a shameful child during her year away.