While on an excursion to clean up some loose ends, Miss Misery reveals her depraved origin tale. Afterwards, Holden and Misery travel to the Imperial Grove, the yearly hideaway spot of the American Monarchy, where the real movers, shakers and pop hit-makers set the rules of engagement for the coming year. Now all Holden has to figure out is how he--and, more importantly, Tao---fits in here.