Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Jaskier takes Geralt to Pavetta's betrothal feast in Cintra, wanting protection from the husbands he has offended. Calanthe's plans for her daughter collapse when a helmeted knight claims Pavetta through the Law of Surprise. Revealed as the cursed Duny, he faces the queen's order to kill him. Geralt refuses and helps defend him against the guards. Duny explains that he once saved Pavetta's father, who promised him the unexpected thing awaiting him at home.
Calanthe still tries to strike Duny, and Pavetta releases a storm of magic. Geralt and Mousesack subdue it before the queen finally permits the marriage. Duny's curse breaks, restoring his human appearance. Pressed to name his own reward for saving him, Geralt invokes the same law. Pavetta immediately reveals that she is pregnant. The child connects Geralt to this family despite his intention to leave without taking responsibility for the bargain he has made.
These events precede Ciri's flight from the fallen kingdom. In her own journey, the dryads shelter her in Brokilon, where Dara confronts her with Calanthe's violence against his family. Drinking the forest's water does not erase Ciri's memories. Yennefer meanwhile tries to protect Queen Kalis and her infant from an assassin, fleeing through successive portals. She survives, but neither the queen nor the baby can be saved.