Two hours before the masquerade, Alaric endures Belrok’s elaborate grooming with visible misery. Belrok decorates Alaric’s hair, face, scar, and lips with gold and kohl in the Dominion style, explaining that the gold mark on Alaric’s lower lip symbolizes the Lachis’ka’s kiss and her favor. Alaric waits in a heavy gold mask and matching costume while attendants and Belrok admire the result.

When Talasyn emerges in a revealing butterfly-inspired costume of gold leaves, jewels, and a green skirt, Alaric is overwhelmed by desire and possessiveness. Jealous at the thought of other courtiers seeing her and touching her during dances, Alaric tells Talasyn that she is not wearing the costume. Talasyn angrily rejects his attempt to control her, and the argument ends with Talasyn storming out while the attendants, who have been eavesdropping, scatter.

Talasyn and Alaric proceed to the ballroom antechamber in tense silence, maintaining appearances despite their quarrel. Talasyn reflects that Alaric’s discomfort may stem from Continental standards of modesty but remains furious with him. They enter the transformed ballroom together, where the Dominion court mingles behind jeweled masks and extravagant costumes.

The pair greet Queen Urduja, who speaks with Ralya Musal. Talasyn smooths over Alaric’s failure to recognize Ralya by joking that happier circumstances should prevent duels, and Ralya notes that no one would dare challenge the man who helped save Nenavar. Urduja privately orders Talasyn to keep Mantes and Alaric apart, confident that Surakwel Mantes will attend because he delights in inconveniencing her.

As the night progresses, Alaric is trapped in courtly conversation while Talasyn dances with a string of eager noblemen. Alaric grows increasingly jealous as nobles praise Talasyn’s beauty, talent, and desirability. Prince Elagbi quietly warns Alaric that in Nenavarene society men are expected to fawn over women at gatherings, and that Alaric’s scowl is making his jealousy obvious.

Alaric’s discomfort deepens when Lueve Rasmey explains that Rajan Birungkil, Urduja’s dance partner, was once the queen’s “favorite,” and that such relationships can be part of political maneuvering even within marriage. Alarmed by the idea that marriage in the Dominion may allow strategic lovers, Alaric moves toward the dance floor to cut in. Before Alaric reaches Talasyn, Surakwel Mantes takes her as a partner and dances too closely, provoking Alaric’s rage, fear, and possessive resolve to reclaim his wife.