Anjelica dances with Laurent, disguised as the Ambassador from Hanse, and struggles to hide the force of her feelings in public. His touch and presence bring back memories of their love aboard the Black Rose, while her mother’s lessons about emotional control remind her that any visible weakness could be used against her.

Laurent says he feared he might never see Anjelica again until Andreyen’s message reached him. Anjelica admits that when she arrived in Castellane and the Black Rose was absent, she believed Laurent might be dead. Laurent explains that someone warned Castellane he was coming, making a rescue by ship impossible without sacrificing his crew and being arrested.

Laurent reveals that allies are willing to help him free Anjelica, her brothers, and himself. Anjelica quickly realizes he means the Malgasi, and she warns that they cannot be trusted because she has learned they have committed serious evils against their own people. Laurent distrusts all governments but says he is willing to accept limited aid from the Malgasi while relying on his own plan involving Sedai.

Anjelica refuses to flee immediately because she cannot abandon Conor. She explains that although she does not love Conor, he has treated her with honesty and respect, and she understands the political danger facing him. If Anjelica runs away now, Conor’s reputation and power will be further weakened, potentially allowing the Malgasi and Elsabet Belmany to gain influence over Castellane.

Laurent reacts with hurt and anger, arguing that Conor is a prince and that the nobles only care about trade protection. Anjelica asks for a year to stretch out the engagement until circumstances are less dire, but Laurent says Conor will not wait and that he cannot hide for a year. When the dance ends, Laurent leaves without another word, and Anjelica is unable to follow because his disguise requires her to treat him as a mere ambassador.