Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Verity is in her chambers writing a letter to her sister Annaleigh to let her know she has arrived safely at Chauntilalie. Dauphine enters, offers to take the letter for delivery, and despite Verity's protest that it isn't sealed, Dauphine tucks it into her skirts, saying she'll have Bastian seal it before sending it with the rest of the correspondence. Dauphine then apologizes for not warning Verity about the peacocks that frightened her the previous night, and Verity reassures her that no harm was done. Dauphine invites Verity to accompany her into town the next day for lunch and shopping, and Verity accepts, though she is surprised by the offer.
As they talk, Dauphine asks about the portrait's progress, and Verity mentions she started a first attempt that morning. Dauphine reveals that Alexander has enjoyed Verity's company, and she explains that he had a very solitary childhood. After an accident, Dauphine became overprotective, doing everything she could to keep him safe, perhaps to the point of being overzealous. Verity relates to this isolation, noting that Highmoor, her family's estate, is the only one on her island, with neighbors a three-hour boat ride away in good weather. Dauphine expresses hope that Verity and Alexander will become close companions.
Later, at a dress salon in Bloem, a shop assistant dismisses Verity's color preference, insisting a shade of blue is wrong for her skin tone. Dauphine insists on buying Verity a new dress, despite Verity's protests that it isn't necessary. While Verity flips through the ostentatious dress sketches, Dauphine asks where Verity will go after the portrait commission ends. Verity reflects on her limited options: she isn't sure Camille would welcome her back to Highmoor, and she has nowhere else to go—Mercy lives at the palace only by the king's favor, Honor is a live-in governess, and Annaleigh's cottage is crowded with a new baby. She mentally counts her remaining florettes.
Dauphine says they will miss Verity and hints at a