Valerie returns from Northo and walks into a tense family reception as a banquet to welcome her back nears. Ian and Mother berate her for past mistakes and accuse her of causing Natasha's death, while Holly insists she risked her life to save Natasha. Family members say Valerie was sent to Northo as a hostage; Grandmother is kept in the dark and will accept a cover story. Carol urges Valerie to tell His Majesty the truth about the barbarians, but Valerie fears he won't believe her. The banquet begins with Valerie forced to choose: confess or conceal.