Hadrian pays little attention to Gilliam Vas despite the priest's warning, because Vas appears only rarely and Hadrian has other concerns. Hadrian continues tutoring Dorian and Anaïs in Jaddian, a skill Count Mataro and Lord Luthor want displayed during an expected ambassadorial visit from the Jaddian Principalities. Hadrian reflects on the Jaddians as independent former Imperial citizens whose genetically enhanced nobility and military traditions have made them legendary.

After the visit to Ulakiel, Hadrian and Valka spend more time together because their shared respect for aliens and contempt for the Chantry has created common ground. Hadrian still cannot speak freely with Valka under palace surveillance, but Hadrian repeatedly calls at Valka's door so they can walk through the castle and gardens. On this occasion, Valka does not answer, and during a brownout Hadrian finds the door unlocked and enters.

Inside, Hadrian discovers Valka's rooms are messy and sees Valka sitting asleep or dazed by the window. Valka wakes and teases Hadrian for entering, then forgives the intrusion. Hadrian notices Valka's notes and sketches of Umandh anaglyphs, compares their linked shapes to Cielcin Udaritanu calligraphy, and draws examples to explain how relative size and position can convey grammar. Valka reveals that the linked symbols were only a result of saving paper, but she still asks to keep Hadrian's drawings for inspiration.

Hadrian asks why Valka was sitting in the dark, and Valka explains that she has headaches and that the tides at Calagah will soon retreat, though she will not leave immediately. Their conversation turns to whether Valka likes Borosevo and whether Valka wants to return home. Valka says she does not, because the xenobites are on Emesh and because Calagah's ancient ruins make humanity feel small in a way nothing in the Demarchy can.

Because the palace cameras limit what Hadrian can say, Hadrian carefully shapes his responses while signaling agreement with Valka's view of humanity's place among alien life. Hadrian steers the talk toward the Umandh and language, prompting Valka into an impassioned discussion. Hadrian realizes Valka's suspicion of him is fading into respect, even as Hadrian fears what Valka means to him and what secrets he must keep. When Hadrian asks if Valka has eaten, Valka accepts, beginning the first of many shared meals and leaving Hadrian with the promise that they will speak again the next day.