Princess Eloise lies dying after a fever and organ failure; Dr. Zinke says conventional care won't help but a single Revival Pill could keep her alive long enough for a 50% chance of rescue. Courtiers blame Prince Hayden for leaving her to ride home in snow and warn her death could spark war before she travels to Bellaros. Sarah moves to fetch the pill, but another courtier tries to claim it as compensation for neglect. Hayden and Sarah clash over who should receive the lone pill; with only one dose, an impossible choice looms as time runs out.