Edric, a lord, informs his wife Seraphina that he and his mistress Vivienne will produce a magical heir, which Seraphina can raise as her own. He dismisses her as barren and calls this offer her only chance at motherhood. Seraphina defiantly rejects his cruel arrangement, calling him and his court monsters. She refuses to remain a silent shadow in a gilded cage, declaring that she is leaving both her husband and the Spring Court for good.