Dorian and Chaol enter the castle through the kennels to avoid Dorian’s younger brother Hollin, who has returned from school and is already making demands. Dorian dreads the court dinner in Hollin’s honor, while Chaol explains that the king likely wants Hollin close because of the growing movement against the crown.

As the two walk inside, Chaol’s constant vigilance reminds Dorian of the captain’s estrangement from his own family. Their easier mood falters when Chaol mentions that Celaena is dining with Archer Finn to gather information before killing him. Dorian notices Chaol’s worry and sharply suggests Archer is no threat to Celaena, though Chaol remains uneasy.

Later, Celaena leaves her rooms in a daring scarlet dress chosen to disarm Archer and make him underestimate how well armed she is. Chaol intercepts her, questions her clothing and weapons, and warns her to be careful. Celaena reacts angrily because Chaol’s protectiveness makes her feel seen as weak, and she deliberately implies she may not return until the next day before leaving in the carriage.

At an elite restaurant, Archer greets Celaena with admiration, and the two settle into a polished, flirtatious exchange. They discuss their reputations, Chaol’s concern, Celaena’s work for the king, and the similarities between being trained for assassination and being trained as a courtesan. Celaena recognizes Archer as another kind of weapon and struggles to keep control of the conversation and herself.

After dinner, Celaena rides in Archer’s carriage because she dismissed her own to support the lie she threw at Chaol. Outside Archer’s townhouse, he invites her in, but his comment that it is different when the choice is his leads Celaena to ask whether he hates his life. Archer admits he sometimes does and says he hopes to earn enough to buy freedom from Clarisse. This shared longing for freedom reminds Celaena of Sam, and she finally drops the performance by telling Archer that the king sent her to kill him.