From Blood and Ash

Two and a half weeks after Vikter’s death, Penellaphe deeply regrets their fight in the garden. She wonders if she could have saved him, but an internal voice reminds her that “Death had come for him, and […] death would’ve found a way” (318). In contrast, Penellaphe feels no regret for what she did to Lord Mazeen and only wonders if her actions during the attack will make the gods find her unworthy. Hawke enters her room and apologizes for failing to save Vikter.

The Duchess reveals that the Queen has summoned Penellaphe. Penellaphe blatantly asks why she is not being punished for killing Lord Mazeen. The Duchess tells Penellaphe, “Some truths do nothing but destroy and decay what they do not obliterate. Truths do not always set one free. Only a fool who has spent their entire life being fed lies believes that” (324). Penellaphe realizes that the Duke must have abused the Duchess as well. The Duchess states that Penellaphe will leave tomorrow.

Penellaphe and Tawny must part ways. Despite fighting for Tawny to join their journey to the capital, Tawny agrees that it’s too dangerous. As she leaves the castle, Penellaphe thinks, “I could only hope that I would see her again.