Kel returns to the ballroom disguised as Conor and is immediately approached by Ciprian Cabrol, who is visibly anxious. Kel presses Ciprian about his secret connection to Elsabet Belmany and arranges a private meeting at the Caravel the next day, using Conor’s authority to unsettle him.

Anjelica interrupts by asking Kel to dance. While they move away from Queen Lilibet, who might see through the disguise, Anjelica reveals that the Ragpicker King has warned her Laurent Aden will attend the ball disguised as a Hanse diplomat. She intends to confront Laurent and exchange money for the compromising letters he holds, despite Kel’s concern that Laurent cannot be trusted.

Kel spots Laurent in an eagle mask, but the ballroom’s attention shifts to Antonetta, who enters boldly dressed in russet and gold despite the scandal around Artal Gremont’s flight. Kel longs to protect Antonetta but must act as Conor. When Lady Alleyne confronts her daughter, Kel intervenes with royal disdain, escorts Antonetta away, and dances with her.

During the dance, Antonetta warns the disguised Kel that Conor should be careful about trusting Kel. She says Kel is too close to the Ragpicker King’s people and might be manipulated, then mentions Kel tried to pay Conor’s debts to Prosper Beck. This detail shocks Kel because it makes him suspect Antonetta knows more than she should, and he orders her not to repeat her concerns.

Antonetta then notices the real Conor, soaked and wearing Kel’s mask, slipping into a corridor. Kel follows and finds Conor sitting on the floor, muddy, wet, shaken, and asking for wine. Conor refuses to explain what happened, saying it is not his secret to tell, but admits he wants a different life from the one he has.

Anjelica overhears Conor’s confession and steps forward. Instead of condemning him, she tells Conor that neither of them chose the marriage, but they must make lives they can choose within their duty. She steadies him, and together they return to the ballroom to present a united front between Kutani and Castellane.