My Lady Jane

Edward struggles to navigate in bird form. The human part of his mind tries to remember Bess’s instructions, while the bird part wants to enjoy flying and catch mice. Somewhere in the countryside near a small village, he becomes human again when he imagines human food, but the villagers drive him out, distrustful of Ethians.

He hides in a hayloft. A girl his age finds him and threatens him with a knife, suspicious of his nudity and well-bred manner. She is Scottish and wears trousers despite being a girl. However, the farmer finds her and catches her. He plans to cut off her hand in retaliation for her stealing his chickens. Edward becomes a bird again and attacks his face, allowing her to escape. They flee into the forest.

When he turns back, she reveals his form is a kestrel, and she is an Ethian too, named Gracie. Edward has a coughing fit, prompting him to reveal that he was being poisoned. He discloses his true identity.

Jane feels overwhelmed by the idea that she is now queen and by her opulent new chamber, which doesn’t have room for books. She mourns