After Celaena Sardothien’s meeting in the throne room, servants bathe her roughly and dress her wounds. Chaol Westfall removes her shackles, and Celaena is struck by the unfamiliar comfort of a bed, clean clothes, and freedom of movement. Too weak to keep down much food, she studies her wasted body and haggard face, then steadies herself with the hope that she can eat, train, and recover.

The next morning, Chaol finds Celaena sleeping on the floor because the bed felt too strange. Sunlight overwhelms her with joy and strengthens her resolve not to be afraid. Servants dress her in a fine riding habit, which briefly delights her, but her mood falters when she sees the Endovier prisoners still working the mines she is leaving behind.

In the yard, Celaena greets three of Crown Prince Dorian’s dogs, surprising Dorian when the animals respond warmly to her. Dorian teases her for refusing to answer simple questions aloud, and Celaena replies sharply. Chaol smirks at the exchange, then places Celaena on a mare but shackles her wrists to a chain attached to his saddle.

The royal party leaves Endovier with Dorian, Duke Perrington, Chaol, guards, and supplies. As they pass through the gates, Celaena remembers the slaves who will never escape and feels the lasting weight of her scars and imprisonment. Once outside, she immediately begins calculating how she might use the chain against Chaol, but Chaol notices and silently stops her attempt.

As the group travels from the wasteland into Oakwald Forest, Celaena tries to pry information from Chaol about the king’s possible plans to colonize the West after the war with Wendlyn. Chaol refuses to engage, so Celaena shifts to provoking him with questions about his age, rank, birth, title, and personal life. Chaol stays guarded and increasingly irritated until the party stops in a clearing for lunch.