Hadrian is escorted from Castle Borosevo to the coliseum by urban prefects who are assigned to prevent his escape. Entering the hypogeum, Hadrian sees that his old place among the myrmidons has already been erased, and he reflects on the consequences of his recent actions: he has challenged Gilliam to monomachy, exposed his palatine identity, insulted and assaulted the Chantry, and perhaps damaged his bond with Valka.

Hadrian finds Switch in the dormitory sitting area and apologizes. Because Hadrian no longer needs to hide his identity, and because Hadrian needs someone to legally support his duel, Hadrian tells Switch the truth about Vesperad, Gibson, the Chantry school, Hadrian's flight from Delos, Hadrian's attack on Crispin, and Hadrian's mother's role in helping him escape. Hadrian also explains his time on Emesh and how Hadrian ended up in the fighting pits, though Hadrian omits the most painful details.

Hadrian asks Switch to stand as his second in the duel. Switch agrees immediately, calling Hadrian by the myrmidon name "Had" rather than distancing him as a palatine. Switch remains angry about Hadrian's deception and speaks bitterly about how palatines fail to see people like him as fully human, but Hadrian insists that he is not like the abusive nobles Switch has known. Hadrian admits he chose Switch because Hadrian wants his friend back, not because Hadrian needs the strongest fighter.

Switch asks why Hadrian punched Gilliam, and Hadrian answers that Gilliam insulted a lady. Switch accepts this with amused approval, and the two laugh together, briefly easing Hadrian's dread. Hadrian admits Valka would not want Gilliam dead and that Hadrian no longer wants to kill him, but Imperial law prevents Hadrian from withdrawing the challenge. Switch advises that Hadrian can win by first blood instead of killing Gilliam, and Hadrian asks for help regaining practice with a sword.

As Hadrian's allotted time ends, Hadrian tells Switch to come to the palace gate and meet him in the public barbican. Before Hadrian leaves with the guards, Switch asks Hadrian's real name. Hadrian answers openly that he is Hadrian of House Marlowe, of Delos, marking his decision to live under his true name again while heading toward the coming duel.