Kamran stands beside King Zaal and his mother at the royal ball, richly dressed but emotionally strained. The court maintains a festive facade while Kamran watches the crowd, the Tulanian ambassador, and Hazan, whom Kamran still suspects without yet having proof of betrayal.

Kamran reflects on the slaughter of all twenty-five Diviners, discovered by Omid after the boy had been staying in their quarters. The bodies showed no blood or visible wounds, only frost at their lips, leading King Zaal to identify dark magic. Because King Cyrus of Tulan vanished from an ambassadorial gathering and failed to meet King Zaal, Kamran and the king suspect Cyrus, but they lack proof; until replacement Diviners can be gathered, Ardunia is dangerously exposed.

Despite the crisis, King Zaal insists the ball continue because securing the royal line has become urgent. King Zaal orders Kamran to appear engaged in choosing a bride, making clear that Kamran must be engaged within the week, married within the month, and produce an heir within the year. Kamran resents the pressure and thinks continually of Alizeh, fearing no other woman will ever affect him as she has.

Omid stands nearby, anxious and tearful, watching the entrance as if waiting for someone. Duchess Jamilah then introduces Kamran to Lady Golnaz, daughter of Marquess Saatchi. Kamran feels no attraction to her but appreciates her composure and frankness when she notices he is not enjoying the evening.

Kamran becomes distracted by a flash of movement and then sees Alizeh in the crowd, unveiled and radiant in lavender. The sight overwhelms him, and he wonders whether she has come for him. Before Kamran can act, a young man takes Alizeh’s hand; Alizeh recognizes him and laughs, wounding Kamran with jealousy and confusion.

Hazan then whispers that the Tulanian ambassador has confirmed the copper-haired gentleman with the unusual hat as the Tulanian king. Kamran asks if the ambassador is certain, and when Hazan says yes, Kamran orders Hazan to bring the man to him.