As Kel rides with Princess Anjelica into Marivent, Anjelica reveals that she has understood his deception: the Palace sent the Sword Catcher instead of Prince Conor because of real danger. Kel names Laurent Aden as the threat and explains that Castellane’s hidden naval defenses and guarded approaches should keep Aden from reaching her. Anjelica accepts this reassurance but says she must speak honestly and privately with Conor before she agrees to remain.

At Marivent, Queen Lilibet prepares to welcome Anjelica with ceremony and a planned tour, but Anjelica politely refuses and insists on immediate private counsel with her betrothed. Kel supports Anjelica’s request, forcing the Palace to abandon its original plan. As they walk toward the Castel Pichon, Mayesh questions Kel, and Kel explains that Anjelica already knew his identity and would likely have exposed him if refused.

Inside Anjelica’s assigned rooms, Kel notices Queen Lilibet’s extravagant attempt to decorate them in Kutani colors, while Anjelica calmly decides the rooms will need to be redone. Conor arrives dressed magnificently, and he and Anjelica immediately assess one another as equals. When Kel tries to leave, Anjelica asks him to stay because a Sword Catcher would know if Conor lied; Conor agrees.

Anjelica tells Conor the truth about Laurent Aden. Aden courted her passionately, but his true plan was to use her access to the Kutani palace to rob the royal coffers, and after she rejected him he claimed she belonged to him and continued pursuing her. Conor confirms that Castellane knew of the danger and that fleets searched for Aden that day, though he was neither captured nor spotted.

Anjelica then explains the deeper reason for the conversation: Aden’s false romance has made grand declarations and displays of love hateful to her. She accepts that her marriage to Conor is a political alliance and asks that they not pretend private emotion they do not feel, even if they must perform affection publicly. Conor agrees, and they also discuss fidelity: Anjelica promises to protect the Aurelian lineage, while Conor promises discretion before the wedding.

Before leaving, Conor softens the exchange by asking to meet Anjelica’s elephant, Sedai, and joking that Anjelica might still fall in love with him. Afterward, Kel sees Anjelica looking momentarily lost, while Conor appears unexpectedly relieved. When Kel asks whether the meeting went as Conor hoped, Conor says he likes Anjelica and finds her delightful.