He emptied the Tideguard for his mistress, and the court fell Episode 9

Episode 9 · Maren Ashforth, Nereus Thorne, Seraphine Voss

Episode 9 recap

King Nereus Thorne confronts Queen Maren Ashforth underwater, accusing her of inventing schemes against Seraphine Voss. Blood drips from Maren's mouth while sharp thorns cut into her tail. She begs Nereus to release her and return home to save their people from death. Nereus refuses to listen to her warnings. Instead, he orders his armored guards to tie Maren down until Seraphine's Pearl Rite finishes. Maren screams out in total despair.

Episodes

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Episode 9 scene by scene

00:00 - 00:48: Nereus Orders Maren Bound Underwater
King Nereus Thorne scolds Maren Ashforth for targeting Seraphine Voss with lies. Bleeding from her mouth as thorns pierce her tail, Maren warns that dead citizens will stain his crown. Nereus commands his guards to tie her fast until the ceremony ends.

Key lines from episode 9

“Maren, I am so tired of you. The more you use these tricks against Seraphine, the more I despise you.”
Nereus Thorne · Nereus lashes out at Maren because he thinks she fabricated danger to target Seraphine.

“If you refuse to go back, every person who dies today will become proof of the crime on your crown.”
Maren Ashforth · Maren confronts Nereus with the cost of abandoning his kingdom during the deadly raid.

“Tie her here. Do not release her until the Pearl Rite is over. This is the punishment she deserves for lying.”
Nereus Thorne · Nereus commands his guards to punish Maren for what he calls deceitful schemes.

“You can't do this to me! You can't do this to me!”
Maren Ashforth · Maren cries out in terror when the guards seize her on Nereus's orders.

How episode 9 ends

Two armored guards force pregnant Queen Maren down into the water, ignoring her frantic screams and protests. King Nereus Thorne leaves her trapped in painful thorns while Seraphine's celebration proceeds nearby. Can Maren break free from her bonds before the raiders completely destroy the undefended Coral Court, or will the king's stubborn cruelty cost everyone their lives?