Kel and Conor practice swordplay in the Hayloft, returning to old rhythms after months of crisis. Conor admits he has been weakened by long hours at a desk, though Kel understands that Conor’s new dedication to governing is tied to the aftermath of the Shining Gallery massacre and the King’s withdrawal into catatonia. Because the King no longer speaks or acts, Conor has secretly been issuing orders in his father’s name with the help of Mayesh, Jolivet, and the Queen.

As they spar, Conor prepares for the first Dial Chamber meeting in months and the announcement that he will marry Anjelica of Kutani. The marriage is meant to counter Sarthe’s demands after the death of its princess: Kutani’s dowry and fleets would give Castellane money and warships, making Sarthe less likely to press toward war. Kel worries how the Charter families will react and thinks of the secrets he keeps, including old Gremont’s warning that no one on the Hill should be trusted and that the Gray Serpent would come if Conor trusted wrongly.

The scene shifts to Lin Caster visiting Antonetta Alleyne in the Alleyne house. Antonetta is overwhelmed by preparations for her engagement to Artal Gremont and openly dreads his arrival. Lin knows Liorada Alleyne has forced Antonetta toward marriage by threatening to deny her the silk Charter, and Antonetta hopes that Gremont may neglect her enough to let her keep some independence. Antonetta then tells Lin that Conor is engaged to Anjelica, forcing Lin to confront unresolved feelings after their last painful encounter before the massacre.

Antonetta asks Lin to attend her engagement party because Antonetta wants someone sympathetic there. Lin initially refuses, remembering the danger and humiliation of her last Hill party, but realizes Conor will likely attend. Lin decides she should see Conor once more and put him behind her before facing the Ashkar religious authorities over her false claim to be the Goddess Returned, so Lin agrees to go.

At the Dial Chamber, Conor’s engagement announcement initially provokes objections, but Conor explains that Kutani’s gold and fleets will make Sarthe’s threats far riskier. Cazalet’s approval calms the other Charter heads, and even Liorada accepts the decision now that Antonetta is engaged elsewhere. Kel recalls the impossible honor price Sarthe demanded after the massacre and how Jolivet insisted Castellane must find another path rather than pay or submit.

After the meeting, Jolivet pulls Kel aside and asks about the Ragpicker King’s investigation into the masked attackers who declared that the massacre began the fall of House Aurelian. Kel reports that there has been no useful progress, and Jolivet warns him to watch for any unusual sign. Ciprian Cabrol, Joss Falconet, and Lupin Montfaucon then approach; Lupin invites Conor to a gathering at the Caravel and mentions a secret lover known by an Arena name: the Gray Serpent. The name shocks Kel because it matches old Gremont’s ominous warning.