Fitz has returned from his sojourn back to Tom Badgerlock's cabin. He awaits Prince Dutiful in Verity's Tower for his Skill lesson. Fitz shares a sketch of his history with Dutiful and preps him for how they'll learn together. Our discussion centers around Skill scrolls, Fitz's lack of confidence in his abilities, and what Fitz did or did not say to Dutiful. 

Jinna greets Fitz and warmly welcomes him in to her home. Afterwards, he dwells on his longing for deep connection. He goes to see Hap, who is quite discontent with his role at Gindast's woodshop and Fitz leaves that discussion troubled. Back at Buckkeep, he finds a note from Chade, directing him to take the time to go back to his cabin to tie up the loose ends. 

Fitz overhears Laurel asking Lord Golden for a meeting and is stressed by how many people have claims on his time. We see some insight into Beloved's feelings, and Fitz goes on his way to see the huntswoman. The Piebalds are still active and ramping up their violence, so Tom Badgerlock better watch out. 

After fruitlessly waiting for Prince Dutiful in the tower for his Skill lesson, Fitz is called to Kettricken's room. Fitz is able to let go as they grieve over Nighteyes together. They catch up a bit, and we discuss Fitz and Kettricken's relationship. 

The Fool plays dress up with Fitz, getting ready for the betrothal ceremony between Narcheska Elliania and Prince Dutiful. There, as a the servant Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is able to observe the reactions of all the different groups and lend moral support for Dutiful. It's a long evening, ending with secondhand Smoke, which brings Fitz's guard down against Skill intrusions. 

FitzChivalry speaks with Prince Dutiful on their afternoon ride in the countryside. The prince vents about his betrothal, commands Tom Badgerlock to attend the event, and speaks about being lonely. Fitz admonishes him to be wary of Civil Bresinga and agrees to start teaching him the Skill. 

Fitz heads down to his rooms with Lord Golden, straightens up, and has to kill time before the afternoon ride with Prince Dutiful. He practices with his sword and heads to the steams at Buckkeep, where he runs into an old friend. 

We're reading Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz, on his way to Chade's workshop, stops to think and overhears Narcheska Elliania and her uncle Peottre. He walks in on Thick, Chade's servant, and tries to recover from his Skill headache afterward. He and Chade debrief and make plans for the future. 

Fitz, as Tom Badgerlock, waits a long time with Jinna for his foster son, Hap, to get home. Companionable silence and small talk pass the time until Fitz has to leave. On the way to Lord Golden's rooms, Fitz is confronted by Piebalds and in turn, Fitz confronts that he needs to think like an assassin again. 

We begin book 8 of the Realm of the Elderlings, Golden Fool. Fitz reminisces on the loss of Nighteyes and what it means to be lonely. He thinks about advice from the Fool, and we talk about where Fitz is starting the story.