Hadrian still has no practical way to leave Delos without being caught. Legitimate passage would require blood scans that would reveal Hadrian’s palatine birth and alert Hadrian’s father, so Hadrian considers hiring pirates or other criminals despite knowing the risk.

Hadrian also reflects on Kyra and understands that Hadrian’s attempt at affection was compromised by the power Hadrian holds over a servant. Ashamed that Kyra could only submit from duty or fear, Hadrian avoids Kyra and much of the castle while completing the official preparations for departure. Tor Alma strengthens Hadrian’s immune system for space travel, Sir Felix’s martial lessons end, and Hadrian learns Hadrian will spend a final week with Hadrian’s mother at Haspida before leaving.

During a walk through the castle grounds, Hadrian asks Gibson about the pirate idea. Gibson warns that pirates are dangerous and unreliable, then hints that Hadrian may not need them. Gibson also notes that Hadrian should read the Chantry instructions, since the rules allow one chest of personal effects and Hadrian’s ignorance might attract suspicion.

On the seawall, Hadrian admits Hadrian wants the uncertainty to be over. Gibson counsels Hadrian against fear, talks about Teukros, and bluntly says that he and Hadrian will not meet again. The statement forces Hadrian to confront the scale of Hadrian’s coming separation from everyone at Devil’s Rest.

Gibson then gives Hadrian a leather-bound novel, The King with Ten Thousand Eyes, with the promised letter hidden inside. Gibson offers a final lesson: despite war, cruelty, and ugliness, the world remains beautiful, and Hadrian must learn to see that beauty. Hadrian hugs Gibson in gratitude, and Hadrian remembers Gibson as a sad, wind-tossed figure on the battlements, preserved in the beauty of that day.