Kamran enters the palace war room still furious from the day’s earlier revelations about Alizeh. Hoping work will steady him, he summons high-ranking military officials to discuss tensions with Tulan, but his irritation worsens as he endures uncomfortable formal clothing and the defense minister’s slow, dismissive speech.

The defense minister argues that Ardunia’s current strategy toward Tulan is sufficient, citing covert intelligence, long-standing leadership, and the benefits of maintaining a manageable rivalry. Kamran, who has personally read the military reports, sees the situation differently: Tulanian activity, captured spies, and traces of magic on an Ardunian ship suggest a serious threat. Frustrated by the room’s complacency, Kamran denounces the minister and the assembled officials as blind, foolish, and dangerously passive.

Hazan intervenes before Kamran can do more damage, inventing an urgent matter to remove the prince from the meeting. Once in Kamran’s chambers, Hazan angrily rebukes Kamran for insulting powerful military leaders whose support he will need when he takes the throne. Kamran deflects with sarcasm, but Hazan presses the deeper issue: Kamran is not merely angry about Tulan or politics, but about the servant girl marked by prophecy and now likely condemned to die.

Kamran admits that Alizeh’s death feels like his fault because his suspicion led to her being hunted and exposed. Hazan reveals that he saw Kamran with Alizeh in the rain and understands that Kamran’s concern is not only moral but emotional. Hazan warns that Alizeh is a threat to the throne and that Kamran knows almost nothing about her, despite being powerfully drawn to her.

As Hazan describes Alizeh’s influence as a dangerous weakness, Kamran privately recognizes the depth of his attraction and admiration. Kamran believes killing an innocent woman would be senseless, but he also admits that the power Alizeh already has over him frightens him. Hazan responds that, because protecting Kamran and the throne is his duty, he must make certain Alizeh disappears as quickly as possible.