Celaena admires herself in an elaborate green-and-white gown, secretly keeping her makeshift hairpin dagger tucked into her bodice. Philippa enters, fusses over Celaena’s appearance, and remarks that Celaena’s beauty could have won a lord or even the Crown Prince if Celaena were not who she is.

Celaena mentions the court rumor that Dorian brought her to Rifthold to court her, wondering whether everyone knows about the competition. Philippa explains that rumors about Dorian’s women fade quickly and says being mistaken for his lover is better than being known as an assassin. Celaena is uneasy about the disguise but amused by Philippa’s bluntness.

Chaol bursts in, irritated and out of breath, and orders Celaena upstairs at once. He drags her through the halls despite Philippa’s protest that Celaena will trip in the gown. Celaena enjoys the guards’ admiring looks, but Chaol tightens his grip and reveals they are going to see the king because the competition officially begins today.

The news unsettles Celaena. As Chaol leads her into the glass addition high above the ground, Celaena becomes nauseated and frightened, overwhelmed by the height, the glass castle, and memories of her trial before the king after her capture. Chaol warns Celaena how to behave: bow low, avoid the king’s eyes, answer respectfully, and do not talk back.

Chaol notices Celaena’s panic and slows down, reassuring her that the king is only a man and that this meeting is not another trial or test. Before they enter the crowded room, Chaol unexpectedly tells Celaena she looks pretty. Celaena steadies herself, raises her chin, and walks in with him.