The quiet of the City of Onn is shattered by a series of violent explosions outside the Ixian Embassy. Stirred to a rare and sudden fury by a perceived threat to Hwi Noree, the God Emperor Leto launches his cart into the thick of the combat. As his sand-trout skin reacts violently to the carnage and blood around him, the Fish Speakers swiftly overwhelm the attackers, leaving no survivors. Amid the chaos and water-agony that follows, Leto struggles to restore order, while secretly identifying Malky as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt and ordering his elimination.
Returning to his quarters, Leto reflects on the damage done to his city and the unsettling realization that his Fish Speakers are beginning to view him as an infallible machine of war. He navigates these growing internal dependencies while promoting loyal officers and coordinating his next moves with the surviving guardians. Concurrently, he arranges for Nayla to make contact with Siona and Duncan Idaho, subtly maneuvering the pieces on the board to advance the imperatives of his ongoing design.
The Lady Hwi Noree is safely brought to his chambers, slightly wounded from the blast but deeply concerned for Leto's well-being. Their intimate conversation reveals the profound, agonizing depth of Leto's love for her, a human affection that clashes painfully with his post-human existence. Despite the dangers and the inevitable public turmoil, Hwi consents to stay and wed him. Leto shares with her his ultimate vision for the Golden Path, explaining the necessity of his future villainy and the endurance of his hidden journals.
As their discussion concludes, Leto finds solace in Hwi's pure, unselfconscious honesty and acute intellect. To counter the recent violence and solidify their bond, he decides to announce a public performance by the surviving Face Dancers followed immediately by the official proclamation of their betrothal.