Lin arrives at Antonetta Alleyne’s engagement party already unsettled after leaving Mariam’s shawl in the carriage. In the ballroom, she notices the predatory attention of the nobles, a few familiar faces, and the absence of Conor, Kel, and Antonetta. Antonetta secretly calls Lin behind a curtain, where Antonetta admits she hates Artal Gremont because he is cruel to servants, animals, and her, but says Lady Alleyne will not cancel the match because Gremont has promised valuable tea plantations for silk production.

Lin goes to fetch Antonetta wine and encounters Ciprian Cabrol, who recognizes her as Bensimon’s granddaughter and hints that his new place among the Charter Families feels like a prison. Lin then spills wine on Prince Conor. Conor asks Lin to dance, and their conversation is tense: Conor bitterly refers to the Shining Gallery tragedy and Lin’s earlier judgment that he is broken, then asks whether Lin would help him if he needed a physician for someone else. Lin says a physician cannot ignore need, but notes that Mayesh and the Exilarch now constrain her actions. Conor warns that he does not have to ask, then dismisses her when he sees Mayesh waiting.

Meanwhile, Kel finds Merren, Ji-An, and Jerrod disguised as musicians. Merren admits they came to identify Magali, the Alleyne servant Jerrod knows from the Maze. Jerrod tells Kel Antonetta is behind the curtain, and Kel goes to her. Antonetta reveals the true reason for her distress: Gremont has invoked an old Law demanding the right of first night, with all eleven other Charter holders witnessing the consummation of the marriage. Kel is horrified by the humiliation and control Gremont intends, but Antonetta reminds Kel there is nothing Kel can openly do for her.

Kel returns to the stage furious and tells Merren to ignore earlier cautions against murdering Gremont. Merren calmly reveals he has already poisoned the groom’s wine. Disturbed, Kel retreats to the balcony, where Conor joins him. Their conversation turns from the cruelty of Hill marriages to Princess Anjelica’s imminent arrival in three days. Jolivet interrupts and explains that the privateer Laurent Aden may try to seize Anjelica as her ship reaches Castellane, so Kel must act as Conor’s Sword Catcher during the reception. Kel agrees to go in Conor’s place.

After Sancia Vasey leads Conor back inside, Jolivet tells Kel that Magali Berthe will be at the Arena on Ellsday, away from Lady Alleyne, giving Kel a chance to question her about possible debts and outside influence. A cheer from the ballroom signals the wedding toast, and Kel remembers Merren’s poisoned cup. Kel rushes inside but reaches the front only in time to see Gremont raise the ceremonial groom’s goblet, toast the alliance between House Gremont and House Alleyne, and drink the wine to the dregs.

Mayesh takes Lin away from the party and reprimands her for violating curfew without warning him, especially while her claim to be the Goddess Returned is about to be tested. He warns that failure could cost Lin her medical practice or even lead to exile. During the carriage ride, Mayesh reveals that the Exilarch, Aron Benjudah, resents him because Aron was once close to Asher Benezar, the Maharam’s son who was exiled for forbidden magic, and believed Mayesh had not done enough to stop it. Lin refuses to change course and tells Mayesh she wishes he had once tried to be there for her and Josit; Mayesh answers that he is trying now.