Trial of the Sun Queen

Lor wakes on the arena floor as Fae healers treat her torn leg. She recalls that Apricia sabotaged her during the trial. King Atlas appears, congratulates her, and carries her to her rooms, telling her that one Tribute died and two were disqualified, leaving four finalists. In her bathroom, Gabriel cuts away her leggings and drops her into the tub.

As Mag bathes her, she quietly reveals that the last Sun Queen Trials occurred only two years ago, not centuries as claimed, and every Tribute died mysteriously. Palace rumor suggests the king killed them. Later, Lor feigns sleep and overhears Gabriel arguing with Atlas: Gabriel wants Lor gone, while Atlas insists she is “the one” and orders Gabriel to protect her. Atlas enters, brushes Lor’s cheek, and leaves. Lor realizes he has been secretly helping her win the trials.

Lor spends several days healing in bed, refusing Halo’s attempts to visit. When she finally ventures out, she lingers over golden roses that remind her of Nostraza. Halo and Marici find her. They admit they are secretly in love, an act of treason for a Tribute. Halo confesses she tried to deliberately fail the last challenge so she and Marici could stay together.