Fitz meets Dutiful in Verity's Skill tower and listens to the Prince's story. A social gaffe creates a problem between Narcheska Elliania and Dutiful, so Fitz points him in the direction of Chade. The old assassin happens to confront Fitz with Thick and the knowledge that Nettle can skill, so Fitz is faced with a tough decision. 

Time is passing in Buckkeep, and Fitz is busy. He is teaching Dutiful, trying to spend time with Hap and Jinna, avoiding Thick, trying to sleep despite Nettle's dream intrusions, and talking about all of that with Chade. We discuss the circle of magic, Chade's memory loss, and Fitz being infuriating as usual. 

Fitz guides Prince Dutiful in a Skill exercise that almost goes terribly wrong. Dutiful confronts Fitz about rumors of the relationship between Tom Badgerlock and Lord Golden. Fitz and Chade have a conversation regarding Fitz's journey to his cabin, current events at Buckkeep, and Chade pursuing experiments with the Skill pillars. Fitz finishes the episode by speaking once more with Thick, trying to understand the servant's dislike of Fitz.

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.