After Antonetta’s engagement party ends near dawn, Antonetta goes into the neglected garden behind Alleyne manor, a place tied to childhood games with Kel and the others. In a grotto, Antonetta finds Conor sitting alone on his ruined black swan-feather cloak, disheveled, wine-stained, and miserable.

Antonetta and Conor speak about Antonetta’s impending marriage to Artal Gremont. Conor acknowledges Gremont’s demand to witness the marriage’s first night, and Antonetta admits she had hoped the Hill would condemn him. Conor says some are horrified, but many dismiss it, and a few endorse it; he then offers to intervene despite the political cost.

Instead of answering, Antonetta confronts Conor about a wound from their youth: when Antonetta was fifteen, Conor told Liorada Alleyne that Antonetta should stop spending time with Conor, Kel, and Joss and be trained as a proper Hill lady. Antonetta explains that the decision cost Antonetta her friendships and confirmed Liorada’s worst judgments of Antonetta. Conor reveals he was trying, badly, to protect Antonetta from Charlon, who had begun treating Antonetta as property; Conor apologizes and admits he should have dealt with Charlon instead.

Conor’s apology unsettles Antonetta because Antonetta has built years of anger around Conor’s betrayal. Still, Antonetta refuses Conor’s help, saying Conor made decisions for Antonetta once and need not do so again. Antonetta then reveals her plan: after one year of marriage, Liorada will transfer the silk Charter to Antonetta, giving Antonetta independence.

When Conor points out Antonetta would still be married to Gremont, Antonetta implies Gremont has many enemies and might not remain alive. Conor notes that no one can hold two Charters and that any transfer would require Conor’s approval. Antonetta, smiling, suggests Conor’s approval will not be a serious obstacle.