Captain Chaol Westfall presents Celaena Sardothien to the Crown Prince of Adarlan. Celaena refuses to bow, and Duke Perrington violently forces her to the marble floor, trying to humiliate her into submission. Prince Dorian Havilliard coolly rebukes Perrington, pointing out that a forced bow means nothing, then dismisses him.

Celaena rises, furious but determined not to be shamed by her filth or chains. She studies Dorian and Chaol, noting both their youth and Dorian’s unsettling charm. Dorian remarks on her dirty condition, introduces himself, and identifies Celaena as Adarlan’s greatest assassin, provoking the bitterness she feels toward his family.

Dorian questions how Celaena has survived a year in Endovier, where most slaves die within a month. Celaena answers with sarcasm, and Chaol reprimands her for disrespecting the prince. When Dorian asks whether she ever tried to escape, Celaena reveals she did once, and Chaol explains that she killed her overseer and twenty-three sentries before being stopped near the wall.

Celaena clarifies the significance of her attempt: most slaves are shot within three feet, but she made it hundreds of feet. Dorian realizes the escape was effectively suicide, and Celaena admits she had not truly expected to survive. The king had ordered her kept alive as punishment, making Endovier a prolonged sentence rather than a quick death.

Dorian inspects Celaena’s scars and hints that dresses could cover them, making Celaena realize he has some purpose for her beyond execution. When Chaol restrains her for getting too close to the prince, Celaena deduces that Dorian and Chaol came to Endovier personally because they want something from her and have been testing whether she remains sane and capable. Dorian confirms that he has a proposition, and Celaena listens because it might offer a path to escape.