Fairest

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of animal death.

As time passes, Ivi grows increasingly paranoid. She keeps guards with her at all times and often secludes herself in her chambers. Sir Uellu and the king’s council meet in secret to plan a revolt. The choirmaster asks Ijori’s opinion of Aza, and the prince says that she is “honest, and kindly to a fault” (165). Aza and Ijori agree that they will only join the revolt against the queen if the king passes away, and both long for his speedy recovery. Ijori worries that his uncle would blame him for not curbing the queen’s actions, but Aza leaps to his defense.

The next morning is Aza’s fitting for her new wardrobe. When bird droppings fall on the queen, she rails that she hates Ayortha and calls her subjects “singing savages.” While Ivi changes clothes, Aza proceeds to the fitting. The tailor thinks that she’s in league with the queen, so all of the outfits he prepared for her are hideous. Aza hurries away and bursts into tears. Ijori soothes her, “Don’t cry, sweet. Oh, dear heart, don’t cry” (170). The prince kisses her.