In which Bethanie and PKFP OG Host Ash discuss Chapters26-29 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer.

Cath has a brief conversation with Jest, who notices herspecial hat and warns her that Hatta’s hats are not ordinary. Cath confrontsthe King about the Jabberwock attacks, but he avoids her questions, lookingashamed. As the Marquess’s daughter, Cath must lead the festival’s traditionallobster quadrille dance, and choosing her partner is a big deal. Torn betweenJest and the King, she reluctantly chooses the King. While dancing with him,Cath realizes she has fallen deeply in love with Jest.

Feeling panicked by this revelation, Cath is stolen away byJest to a private white crystal cave. They talk about their situation—Jestinsists the King has good intentions and would support Cath marrying him. Cathwants to marry Jest, but they both know their difference in social class makesthis impossible. Cath worries about disappointing her parents by refusing theKing and courting a lower-class suitor, and she admits that social rank mattersto her too.

During the baking contest judging, the Turtle and the Kingare among the judges. The King, clearly fond of Cath, prematurely declares herthe winner and announces she will one day be his bride, mortifying Cath.Suddenly, a scream interrupts the contest.

The Turtle undergoes a horrifying transformation into theMock Turtle, gaining a calf’s head, hooves, and tail. He is devastated, and thecrowd is horrified. Cath realizes that the Turtle was the only judge who tastedher cake. Peter Peter watches her from the crowd with malicious hatred. Thecontest is suspended. Back home, Cath decides that since she won’t receive theprize money, she must ask her parents for support to open her bakery.

This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced byThree Sisters Podcast Network.

Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and theIntro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.