Celaena and Nehemia cut short their language lesson and walk through the castle with guards following Celaena. Celaena is troubled by poor sleep, another Champion’s death, and Elena’s mysterious command, but she tells Nehemia only that she stayed up late reading. Nehemia notices Celaena’s hidden worry and assures Celaena that they are friends, which moves Celaena and briefly stirs a dark, painful memory of pounding hooves.

Nehemia asks Celaena to attend a play with Queen Georgina, but Celaena cannot go because of the restrictions around her. Nehemia reveals she has been trying to improve relations with the queen for Eyllwe’s sake, hoping the queen can influence the King of Adarlan. Their walk brings them to the kennels, where Nehemia confidently enters despite Celaena’s concern that they may not be allowed inside.

Inside the kennels, Celaena and Nehemia find Dorian among a litter of puppies. Dorian explains that one beautiful silvery-gold pup has a bad temperament and may be killed if it cannot become a suitable pet. Celaena becomes furious at the cruelty of killing the animal for being difficult, picks up the puppy, and demands that Dorian spare it.

Dorian agrees to save the pup and promises, on his crown, that it will live and that Celaena may approve its future home. The exchange leaves Celaena flustered by Dorian’s closeness. After leaving the kennel, Nehemia observes that Celaena and Dorian seem connected, but Celaena denies any affection and reacts with fierce anger when Nehemia suggests Dorian is interested in her, declaring that Celaena would never love a Havilliard.

On her way back through the castle at night, Celaena considers how easily she might escape if she chose to flee. At a window, Celaena sees Cain behind her in the reflection; Cain appears panicked, choking on unspoken words, unnaturally more muscular, and wearing his black ring. Cain abruptly runs away faster than seems possible while looking back at something beyond Celaena, and Celaena responds by sending warnings to Nox and Pelor to remain locked in their rooms that night.