Artal Gremont, heir to Castellane’s tea Charter, is returning from exile after his father’s death. Though his family’s fortune depends on ocean trade, Artal hates the sea and finds shipboard life aboard Laurent Aden’s galleon, the Black Rose, unbearable. His boredom is sharpened by anxiety and by Laurent’s earlier warning after Artal abused a young stowaway discovered on the voyage.

Defying Laurent’s order not to wander, Artal leaves his cramped cabin and goes up to the weather deck at night. The sea only reminds Artal that Castellane, his inheritance, and his restored status remain just out of reach.

On deck, a black-clad assassin appears from the shadows using magic. Artal knows this magic is real because the assassin has previously scarred his hand, contradicting his belief that major magic died with the Sundering. Though Artal fears the assassin, Artal tries to hide it as the assassin congratulates Artal on his coming marriage to Antonetta Alleyne.

The assassin reminds Artal that he once aimed for a more prestigious royal match, but now his marriage to Antonetta serves their shared arrangement. The assassin also reveals that Artal’s father had promised loyalty to their faction but planned to betray them, and Artal confirms that he understands his own return from exile depended on their intervention.

The assassin gives Artal a new purpose: Antonetta possesses information that can help them find someone else they need to bring to their side. Once married, Artal is permitted to force the truth from Antonetta, though the assassin orders Artal to keep her alive because Antonetta is useful as leverage against Liorada Alleyne. The assassin warns that many on the Hill remain loyal to House Aurelian and tells Artal to keep wearing the protective amulet she gave him. When Artal looks again, the assassin has vanished, leaving him staring toward Castellane.