Kaltain waits on the freezing veranda before the final duels, secretly carrying a vial of drugged powder. While Duke Perrington shields her from view during a hand kiss, Kaltain pours the contents into the goblet meant for Celaena Sardothien, intending only to weaken and disorient the assassin so Dorian will be free of her.

Celaena arrives in the cold outdoor arena and learns the king has only just decided to hold the duels outside. She notices Kaltain’s strange smile, Cain’s royal-guard attire and stolen strength, and two councilmen who recognize her from past assassinations. Nehemia appears dressed as a warrior and silently encourages Celaena, steadying her as the king announces that Cain will first face Renault, then Celaena will face Grave, with the winners dueling for the title of King’s Champion.

For a moment, Celaena sees the king as only a man with too much power and vows not to be afraid. Cain and Renault begin the first duel. Chaol points out Cain’s weak right side and warns Celaena not to let Cain provoke her later, but Renault fails to exploit the opening and is quickly defeated when Cain bloodies him and pins him at swordpoint.

As Celaena prepares to face Grave, Chaol offers her his own sword, a gesture of deep trust and loyalty. Nehemia interrupts and offers her iron-tipped Eyllwe staff instead, urging Celaena to let an Eyllwe weapon defeat Adarlan steel and reminding her that the King’s Champion could help those suffering under the king. Remembering Endovier, the murdered Eyllwe rebels, and Elena’s earlier words, Celaena accepts Nehemia’s staff.

Dorian notices the exchange and seems to understand its symbolism, but Celaena sets that concern aside. Before stepping into the ring, Celaena thanks Chaol for making her freedom mean something. Chaol squeezes her hand and tells her to give Grave hell, and Celaena enters the ring confident with Nehemia’s staff.