Concerned with his loved ones’ safety, FitzChivalry heads to Patience and Lacey’s room to try and safeguard them from potential attacks. They talk about protection and Fitz embarrasses himself, as usual, before he moves on to find Kettricken. What comes next is a wild goose chase around the keep to find his Queen-in-Waiting. An awkward conversation, a mule ride in a snow storm, a jealous look, and a promise of meat later, and Fitz is walking toward the abandoned house and a wolf cub. He has to confront who he really is and make a decision that affects his future forever.