Chapter Ten

( Chapter Ten: In which Maira is caught between the fire and the storm, and has a conversation with a representative of each and learns the value of a gate that is opened and closed at just the right time. )

Chapter Eleven

( Chapter Eleven: In which Maira is introduced to the source of Yena's genius: her mother and finds that she is more amusing than useful to both the ambassador and herself, unfortunately. )

Chapter Twelve

( Chapter Twelve: In which Maira's escape plan is daring but doable and works, but leaves her very literally cold, and there is an impossible palace, an impossible feast, and an impossible person who may be a friend, an enemy, or both. )