King of Scars

Zoya worries about the tour of miracle sites, concerned that this escapade will be a waste and Nikolai won’t be cured of the monster. But she also fears that the young monk will be right and that the Darkling will return. Zoya resolves “not [to] be governed by her fear” (175). She is relieved when Genya gives her a new sleeping tonic for the king: One drop will knock him out for the night, while a different mixture is used to wake him. It’s the best way to control the monster. The rest of the Triumvirate come together to send off the small party of travelers.

Zoya, Nikolai, Tamar, Tolya, Yuri, and a few soldiers hit the road. They travel around Ravka staying with noblemen and local governors. They give money and food to the commoners. After dinner and a political discussion with their host, Zoya and Tolya walk Nikolai to his chambers. Tamar joins them. Zoya administers the new sleeping tonic. Nikolai drops into unconsciousness before his head hits the pillow.

During these visits to villages, Zoya remembers her own childhood in a similar town. She wanted to be a soldier, but her mother saw wealth in her beauty and betrothed her at nine years old to an old man.