Alizeh reels after discovering through Hazan’s nosta that Kamran has not lied to her. Her anger and fear are heightened because Mrs. Amina has dismissed her from Baz House after Alizeh defended herself from a blow, spraining the housekeeper’s wrist in the process. Without a reference, shelter, time, or privacy, Alizeh fears she may be forced to flee Setar before she can attend the ball and pursue Hazan’s plan.

Kamran apologizes for upsetting Alizeh but refuses to leave, claiming his search is tied to her safety. He returns her lost handkerchief and confesses that he is partly responsible for her being hunted: after seeing her disarm the Fesht boy, Kamran suspected she might be a Tulanian spy and made inquiries that drew dangerous attention to her. The nosta confirms his truthfulness, and Kamran says he now thinks highly of Alizeh and wants to protect her as penance.

Alizeh continues packing because she has been dismissed and must leave quickly, but Kamran insists he will not allow her to be thrown into the streets. Their tense argument turns unexpectedly playful, revealing a growing ease between them. When someone climbs the stairs, Alizeh instinctively pulls Kamran into a corner, cloaks them both and her bag with invisibility, and waits while a footman enters, notices the stripped room, blows out the candle, and leaves.

The darkness triggers Alizeh’s terror, and Kamran’s closeness briefly steadies her. After teasing her to distract her, Kamran becomes more serious and admits that Alizeh has consumed his thoughts since they met and that he would fetch her the moon to spare her tears. Alizeh finally tells him her full identity: Alizeh of Saam, daughter of Siavosh and Kiana, and the lost queen of Arya. Kamran acknowledges her as “Your Majesty,” and Alizeh says she already knows his name.

Kamran kisses Alizeh, and the kiss becomes intensely mutual before Alizeh breaks away. Both acknowledge the desire between them, but Alizeh realizes that any future between the prince of Ardunia and the hunted Jinn queen would be impossible and dangerous, especially because Kamran’s grandfather wants her dead. Kamran pleads for hope and reveals he is expected to choose a bride that very night, but Alizeh refuses to let their connection grow and leaves him behind.