The Wicked King

Jude wakes up in an underwater room with Nicasia. Jude is bound to a bed. Nicasia taunts her and threatens her. The next time Jude wakes up, a group of mermen bring her to meet with Orlagh, Nicasia, and Balekin at dinner. Not knowing that Jude is immune to glamours, they enchant her into doing as they ask. Jude plays along. They ask her for information about Cardan and Madoc. Then they reveal that Grimsen is working on a new crown. Jude tells them that she helped Cardan become king because he promised her a position of power.

After they eat, Nicasia takes Jude to a cell and tells her it’s a luxurious chamber. Jude pretends to be enchanted.

Jude spends several days in the Undersea cell, continuing her ruse under the others’ glamours. She tells them of her history in the Faerie court. She grows ill from her withdrawal of her daily poisons. One day Balekin comes to her and asks questions about Cardan. Then he commands her to kiss him, which she does under the pretense of enchantment.

Within a few days, Jude learns that Cardan has bargained for her return.