The day after winning the competition, Celaena approaches the glass throne in the council chamber with Chaol beside her. Dorian stands near the king and smiles, giving Celaena some hope, but the king’s presence terrifies her as the council watches her sign away her future.

The king confirms the bargain: Celaena will serve as his Champion for four years, after which she will be free. Celaena feels a surge of joy at the possibility of escaping slavery, leaving Adarlan, cutting ties with Arobynn, and living on her own terms once her service ends.

Before Celaena signs, the king makes the contract’s true cost clear. Celaena must obey without question, deny any connection to the king if caught, and return from every mission. If Celaena fails or disappears, the king will have Chaol killed, then Nehemia, then Nehemia’s brothers and mother.

Realizing the king has bound Celaena through the people Celaena cares about, Celaena signs the contract anyway. Dorian appears sad despite smiling, and Chaol quietly guides Celaena from the chamber as Celaena understands that defiance would endanger Chaol and Nehemia’s family.

Once away from the throne room, Celaena feels some of the burden lift. Chaol calls Celaena the King’s Champion and asks whether Celaena is happy; Celaena admits she may have signed away her soul but is as happy as she can be. When Chaol offers to tell Celaena her first mission, Celaena links arms with Chaol and asks him to tell her tomorrow.