Rhys demands that Feyre honor her bargain to spend one week a month with him for life. Tamlin protests but cannot refuse, as breaking a faerie bargain is taboo. Rhys takes Feyre to the Night Court, which to her surprise is warm, scented with jasmine, and under a beautiful starry sky. Rhys taunts Feyre about her marriage but reassures her that she is not a prisoner and will be treated with respect. Still, Rhys’s arrogance annoys Feyre.

Feyre’s room is warm and inviting. She removes her wedding dress and cries herself to sleep, regretting her hesitation to marry Tamlin. Over breakfast the next morning, Rhys explains that their bargain forged a bond between them: It allows him to hear her thoughts when she is most vulnerable. Rhys rescued Feyre from marrying Tamlin because he sensed her doubts. Rhys also offers to teach Feyre how to read, as her illiteracy almost resulted in her death Under the Mountain.

Feyre resists Rhysand’s offer to tutor her, but he insists. While speculating on Feyre’s powers as a newly resurrected High Fae, Rhys suddenly shudders. Rhys recovers and his cousin Morrigan (“Mor”) enters. Rhys and Mor banter, but Feyre senses real tension under the teasing.