Tarisai visits her mother, who is imprisoned on the open roof of the prison tower. The Lady, who is very weak and weather-beaten from exposure, explains her motivations to Tarisai, claiming that all the choices she made were for their future. She is disappointed that Tarisai could not complete her task and kill Dayo. Tarisai asks her mother about the nature of the Redemptor curse and demands to know why The Lady told Woo In and the other Songlanders that she could cure this curse. The Lady does not answer. Tarisai tells her mother that she will continue to help her and will visit her in prison. Back in her room, Tarisai tells Sanjeet that she feels guilty for what has happened to her mother. He reminds her of all the harm that The Lady has caused her. Sanjeet kisses Tarisai and professes his love for her.

The next morning, Tarisai receives Thaddace’s summons to the library. He has gathered resources for her to study in preparation for her ruling over The Lady’s fate. Meanwhile, Thaddace has been called to drill with the Imperial Guard, as they are preparing for more riots and resistance due to the citizen’s dislike of the Unity Edict.