After the storm clears Setar, Kamran leaves the palace for the secluded Surati Forest, a dangerous and beautiful place accessible only by leaping from a cliff. Alone on a red rug in the snow, Kamran struggles with intense anger and disillusionment after his conversation with King Zaal.

Kamran reexamines King Zaal's claim that he once believed he had found Alizeh and assumed her dead years ago. The wording leads Kamran to suspect that his grandfather may have tried to kill Alizeh when she was a child. Although Kamran knows the Diviners' prophecies are never false, he cannot justify murdering someone merely for existing.

Wanting to reconcile loyalty to King Zaal with his own conscience, Kamran decides to seek proof that Alizeh is a real threat. Because Alizeh had been so desperate to recover the parcels from the apothecary, Kamran disguises himself as a magistrate and questions the apothecary, Deen, hoping the parcels will reveal some hidden conspiracy.

Deen explains that Alizeh bought only salves and linen bandages for severe, festering injuries. Kamran realizes that the parcels were precious because Alizeh was in pain and because, as a snoda, she had almost no money. Deen also describes Alizeh as polite, frightened, hardworking, and likely abused by her employer, deepening Kamran's shame.

Back in the forest, Kamran understands that the evidence he sought has only made Alizeh seem more innocent. Kamran recognizes that Alizeh showed mercy to a boy who tried to kill her, lives in poverty despite being born a queen, and suffers abuse while trying to survive. Kamran concludes that the present Alizeh does not deserve to die and feels responsible for exposing her to King Zaal's deadly attention.