The gods have spoken. As the dust settles from the earth-shattering sacrifice, Veran names Kerra Queen of the Cantii. But she must first decide whether she will accept the gods’ judgement. While Lindon offers Kerra the chance of escape, Amena, bitter and humiliated at being overlooked for the throne, drunkenly rebukes Phelan for failing to be named king. Deciding neither husband is strong enough to get her what she wants, she seeks out the Druids, intending to show there is nothing she will not do to get her crown. Phelan, on the other hand, chooses to flee the citadel with Ania, leaving his allegiance in question. Elsewhere, Queen Antedia learns of the developments at the citadel, and sends for Aulus. Antedia bears a deep-seated hatred of Kerra, originating from an ill-advised attempted marriage between her and the queen’s only son that ended abruptly with his castration. With this humiliation still burning inside of her, she seals the Regni’s alliance with Rome. But in return for their co-operation, Antedia asks for something unusual: the head of Veran.