After the khagan’s court reveals Rifthold’s fall and Princess Tumelun’s death, Nesryn retreats into shock inside the palace suite assigned to her and Chaol. Chaol cannot comfort Nesryn physically, and guilt and helplessness sharpen Chaol’s fears for Dorian, Rifthold, and their mission. Chaol tells himself Dorian must have escaped and resolves to gather every scrap of information from Prince Arghun and passing merchant ships.

Prince Kashin visits Chaol privately and explains that the khagan wants Chaol and Nesryn to dine at the high table every night. Kashin reveals the invitation is not merely diplomatic: Kashin suspects spies may already be in the palace and does not trust Arghun’s assurance that Perrington’s agents have not reached Antica.

Kashin then confides that Kashin does not believe Tumelun killed herself. Although others describe Tumelun as mercurial and claim Tumelun leaped from her balcony, Kashin insists Kashin knew Tumelun too well to accept that explanation. Kashin considers foreign involvement possible, names Perrington as a prime suspect, and explains the Darghan tradition of the sulde, emphasizing that Tumelun’s lack of one makes Tumelun’s death feel spiritually unfinished.

Kashin asks Chaol to watch the court with an outsider’s eyes and report anything suspicious. Chaol sees an opportunity to gain Kashin’s support for the war but learns Kashin will not act without the khagan’s order and that Chaol must persuade Kashin’s siblings instead. When Chaol warns that the palace is in danger if Perrington has an agent there, Kashin makes clear that this is exactly why Kashin wants Chaol’s help.

After Kashin leaves, Chaol realizes Morath’s influence may already have reached the southern continent and that Chaol must be cautious even in private rooms. The servant prepared to bathe Chaol offers sexual services as part of her role, but Chaol firmly requests only a bath. As Chaol laboriously transfers himself from the chair into the bathing pool, Chaol thinks about Nesryn, his own changed body, Dorian’s uncertain fate, and the alliance Chaol must still secure despite wanting to rush back to Adarlan.