King of Battle and Blood

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, death, physical abuse, and sexual harassment.

Isolde wakes up in her room, and Ana and Violeta bring her breakfast. Adrian and the other noblesse do not eat breakfast, feeding on the blood of vassals instead of consuming human food. After breakfast, Ana takes Isolde on a tour of the gardens, which remind Isolde of her mother. Adrian built and expanded the gardens after his rise to power. There, Isolde meets two noblewomen who claim to have slept with Adrian in the past. They also claim that Adrian sleeps with the vassals whose blood he drinks; this is in direct contrast to Adrian’s descriptions. Isolde dismisses them and reminds them not to speak out of turn about their king. Ana takes Isolde to Adrian, as they must hold court together. Isolde asks Adrian about her role in court proceedings and refuses to participate if she is expected to be silent and ornamental. Adrian reminds her that he wants them to rule together; she is therefore free to express her own opinions and judgments. Isolde also asks if Adrian slept with the ladies she met. He tells her no and reminds her to consider that others may lie about him to sow discord.