Dolion is unhappy that he must share his dinner party with more than the queen and he interrogates Prince Steffan. Andraya notices that Benjamin has an interest in Caleen.

Caleen attempts to paint a portrait of Andraya with the tutelage of Martin, all the while Martin, Steffan, and Dolion vie for the queen's attention. Andraya recalls a horrid memory, which shocks the prince.

Andraya surprises Steffan with a huge gift. She shows him her favorite spot in the forest where they surmise suspects of her attempted murder...and stumble into another shocking surprise.

Steffan turns on Dolion when the chancellor claims the queen is no match for her title. Dolion tries to woo Andraya by claiming he's been doing her favors.

Queen Andraya and Prince Steffan share feelings of affection. Besnik warns Steffan about being too forward. Andraya is shocked when Steffan reveals a progressive custom/law in Deldria.

Andraya takes Martin on a walk in hopes to subtly match him up with Caleen. His arrogance, and sometimes ignorance, is highly amusing to Steffan. Besnik advises a full-time bodyguard for the queen and he advises Prince Steffan to help with foreign affairs.

Queen Andraya receives letters and poems ranging from maddening to heart throbbing. Prince Steffan falsely believes the queen loathes his poetry. The very person Andraya wanted to send for from MaDeen arrives at her palace.

Andraya relives a childhood memory with Caleen and discovers something she can do to help Caleen find a husband. The queen has a surprising, yet delightful, post-recovery visit with Prince Steffan—which is interrupted by Marquis Draven who brings another criticism to the queen.

Queen Andraya pulls out of her delirious state. Her nurse tells her how she was poisoned and shows her the many gifts she received while ill. The queen poses a theory of who might have poisoned her.

Queen Andraya wakes up from a horrible dream where Caleen, the nurse, and Prince Steffan have been taking care of her. Caleen and Andraya rekindle their friendship. Andraya abruptly falls ill and Prince Steffan suspects foul play.