Chapter Nine

Lore and Gabriel prepare to attend Bastian’s masquerade in the clothes sent to them. Lore complains about her restrictive purple dress and mask, while Gabriel wears green court clothes without a mask, making it clear that Bastian wants Gabriel publicly recognized by the court that considers the Remaut name disgraced. Gabriel instructs Lore to act like a duke’s cousin and asks her to call him Gabe in public.

As they descend through the Citadel, Gabriel explains that the bloodcoats who saw Lore earlier are likely gone, probably sent to the Burnt Isles, because August wants to limit knowledge of Lore’s true identity. At the throne room doors, Gabriel introduces himself as Leif Gabriel Remaut, Duke of Balgia, and improvises Lore’s false name as Eldelore Remaut, irritating Lore but preserving their cover.

Inside the masquerade, Lore finds an extravagant, decadent court: elaborate costumes, gossiping nobles, wine fountains, and courtiers openly drinking brewed belladonna. Lore recognizes the danger of the poison and the Mortem it involves, but Gabriel stops her from interfering. Gabriel explains that overdoses are common and that older nobles hide the physical consequences of extending their lives.

Lore notices Bastian lounging on the throne, looking bored, and feels a strange sense of familiarity. Before Lore and Gabriel can approach him, Alienor recognizes Gabriel. Alienor warmly greets Gabriel and reveals they were once betrothed, though the exchange carries old hurt beneath its teasing. Lore introduces herself as Gabriel’s distant cousin, and Alienor responds kindly.

The music shifts to a Kirythean tune, which Gabriel calls traitorous. Bastian then appears, casually mocking Gabriel, admitting he arranged the mask situation, and making clear that the masquerade is partly meant to display Gabriel’s return. Bastian greets Lore with charm and calculation, while Lore tries to play the flirtatious role required of her mission and notices that Bastian is also skilled at courtly games.

A poisoned courtier named Cecelia offers belladonna to Bastian, Lore, and Gabriel, but Bastian rebukes her with polite coldness. Tension rises between Bastian and Gabriel as Bastian demands a proper introduction, and Lore subtly prevents Gabriel from reacting violently. When the music begins again, Bastian takes Lore’s hand and pulls her into the dance, forcing direct contact between Lore and the prince she has been ordered to investigate.