Kel waits anxiously in the room he shares with Conor, preparing to confess that Jolivet recruited him to work with the Ragpicker King. Smoke and alarms elsewhere in the city add to Kel's unease, and thoughts of Antonetta sharpen his sense of isolation because Kel loves her but no longer trusts her. When Kel notices his brown cloak missing and his wardrobe disturbed, a note is slipped under the door warning that Anjelica is fleeing Marivent and that Kel must convince her to stay.

Kel goes to Castel Pichon, finds the Little Palace locked and deserted, and climbs through a window into Anjelica's rooms. Anjelica, dressed for travel and armed, admits Laurent Aden was never a spurned suitor but her lover, and that Laurent had meant to take her away as soon as Anjelica arrived in Castellane. Kel realizes Anjelica used the false blackmail story to reach Laurent through the Ragpicker King.

Anjelica explains that she had intended to remain because Conor treated her honorably and because abandoning him would endanger Castellane. Her decision changed when Laurent learned that Malgasi agents, after she refused their help, planned to murder Anjelica to clear the way for Elsabet Belmany to marry Conor. Anjelica argues that fleeing openly with Laurent will make her the guilty party, while her murder would risk Kutani's vengeance and worsen Conor's position.

Before Kel can speak with Laurent, Castelguards break into Castel Pichon with Conor, Falconet, and several Charter figures. Kel lets Anjelica escape through the window to Laurent and the elephant Sedai, then tells Conor that he could not stop her. Falconet immediately turns the scene against Kel, ordering Benaset to seize him and accusing Kel of working with the Ragpicker King, helping Anjelica meet Laurent, and preparing to flee with them.

Falconet, Lady Alleyne, and others present Kel's visits to the Black Mansion, his contact with Ciprian, and his connection to Antonetta as proof of treason and murder. Kel insists the real conspiracy involves Malgasi, Gremont, Cabrol, and someone close to the throne, accusing Falconet and Lady Alleyne, but Conor is shaken when Kel cannot deny arranging Anjelica's meeting with Laurent. Falconet then produces a planted travel bag containing Kel's missing clothes and amulet, making Kel appear ready to run away and sell Aurelian property.

Kel finally admits he was working with the Ragpicker King but says Jolivet ordered him to investigate the Shining Gallery massacre. Jolivet enters, and Conor asks whether Kel is telling the truth, giving Kel a brief hope of vindication. Instead, Jolivet denies everything, calls Kel a liar and traitor, and after Kel breaks free in shock, an order is given; Kel is struck with a painful blow and loses consciousness.