Kamran endures a painful fitting with Madame Nezrin after his mother forces him to prepare properly for the palace ball. Earlier, the princess had been furious that Kamran ignored her request to speak for two days, warned that soon she would be all he had left in the palace, and left Kamran unsettled by her ominous words.

Kamran reflects on the difficult day: he has spent hours with Hazan, King Zaal, and officials discussing the Tulanian king’s unexpected decision to accept Ardunia’s invitation to the ball. Kamran distrusts King Cyrus, who killed his own father and took the Tulanian crown, while Hazan urges caution because Cyrus may be underestimated due to his youth.

When Madame Nezrin removes Kamran’s robes, Kamran notices that the magical royal mark on his torso appears different. The gold fissure down his body seems wider and brighter, though Hazan claims not to see a change and Kamran feels no pain. The moment deepens Kamran’s unease about his impending inheritance and the traditions that mark Ardunian heirs.

Hazan then teases Kamran with a gossip journal praising the prince’s kindness toward commoners, including a street child and a snoda. Hazan’s remarks clearly point toward Omid and Alizeh, but Kamran refuses to discuss the matter. Hazan also reminds Kamran that King Zaal’s death is approaching and that Kamran must prepare to become king of the largest empire in the known world.

Jamsheed arrives to report that Omid Shekarzadeh has come to the palace claiming King Zaal gave him permission to speak with Kamran. Hazan reacts with alarm and tries to stop Kamran from meeting the boy, prompting Kamran to accuse Hazan of hiding something. During the confrontation, a glowing insect appears, seems to respond to Hazan, and flies through the keyhole, increasing Kamran’s suspicion.

Kamran goes downstairs despite Hazan’s objections and finds Omid frantic in the main hall. Omid tries to explain in Feshtoon that no one believes him, but guards seize him after Omid touches Kamran in desperation. Kamran orders Omid released and asks what has happened; Omid reveals the shocking news that all the Diviners are dead.