Chapter Twenty-Two

In the Atheneum room, Hawke halts an almost-kiss to question Poppy about how she escaped her chambers. Poppy admits to an old servants’ passage that reaches the main floor and the Rise. Hawke warns it’s a serious security risk, citing the Dark One’s interest and recent violence.

Pressed, Poppy reveals she overheard the Duke meeting a prison guard about the Descenter who threw the Craven hand, and fears the Duke will execute the man in secret. Hawke doubts the Descenter would know the Dark One’s whereabouts. When Hawke snatches her book, he discovers it’s Willa Colyns’s erotic diary and teasingly reads aloud, flustering Poppy before returning it.

Hawke insists on taking Poppy back, claiming “incredible tracking skills” as the reason he found her. The following afternoon, Tawny dresses Poppy in a translucent crimson gown and red mask for the Rite, steadying Poppy’s nerves and praising her appearance.

Vikter arrives to escort them. Hawke is absent, reportedly meeting the Commander but will join later. Among the throngs in the Great Hall, Poppy fortifies her gift, relishes anonymity within the sea of crimson, and observes the second and third sons and daughters assembled for the ceremony, the dais crowded with clergy and the Duchess.

As Poppy finally relaxes, the moment breaks when Lord Brandole Mazeen addresses her, drawing unwanted attention and closing the chapter on a tense note before the Rite begins.