Trial of the Sun Queen

Before her first weapons training session, Mag brings Lor’s grey prison clothing from Nostraza, which Mag has laundered. Lor hides this. She learns that Gabriel, as captain of the king’s guard, is traditionally assigned to the king’s most favored Tribute. In the corridors, royal note-takers, who publicly document the Trials, interview another Tribute, Griane.

In the weapons hall, King Atlas arrives unexpectedly to observe. Master Borthius, the master-at-arms, leads the Tributes through sword drills. Lor struggles, and Gabriel nicks her chin during a demonstration. Atlas announces he will dine with one Tribute the following evening. When Borthius pairs Lor to fight against Apricia, a haughty Fae, Apricia insults Lor, and they brawl until separated. Atlas ends the session and chooses Lor for the dinner.

Immediately after training, Atlas invites Lor to dine with him in his private chambers, telling her to use his name—a privilege reserved for a ruler’s bonded partner. He kisses her hand before leaving. In a corridor, Gabriel shoves Lor against a wall and angrily interrogates her about the king’s interest, warning her to control her temper.

Alone, Lor retrieves the hidden tunic from Nostraza and extracts a small red jewel stitched into the hem.