A black bridal carriage approaches the Tessen estate through autumn fog and iron gates.

The carriage passes through the gates and Mire remembers the stakes attached to every mistake.

Mire steps down into a courtyard lined with servants who bow too deeply.

Domnal Tessen appears at the top of the courtyard steps and greets Mire without touching her.

Domnal studies Mire more like evidence than a bride.

Mire is led into the estate hall, where the house seems to watch her.

Lady Veyra takes control of the arrival and the public story.

Lady Althene greets Mire with a knowing smile that unsettles her.

Mire realizes Althene may see performance where others see rank.

Domnal escorts Mire deeper into the marital wing while maintaining an unsettling distance.

Mire sees the bridal chamber and the objects chosen for Sera.

Domnal proposes private tea, and Mire understands it as a test.

A servant brings private tea as Mire prepares to rely on Sera’s diary.

Domnal asks about a book from the letters; Mire answers from the diary.

Mire survives another question about the season of the courtship.

Domnal asks about Sera’s phrase for bad weather, and Mire answers correctly.

Mire thinks she is succeeding, but hunger and exhaustion begin to weaken her control.

Mire tries to turn the mistake into a harmless choice before Domnal can name it.

Mire answers with a safe line, and Domnal’s almost-kind smile deepens the threat.

Domnal ends the tea politely, leaving Mire unsure whether she passed or failed.

Alone, Mire’s performance cracks and she spits out the cardamom.

Mire finds Domnal’s untouched bitter cake and handwritten note, unable to tell if it is kindness or a trap.