Chaol is out on horseback with a hunting party, which includes the king, Perrington, Roland, and Dorian. Chaol overhears the lords gossiping and laughing and wonders if he would have become someone like this had he stayed with his family in Anielle. The king pulls his horse next to Chaol’s new stallion and tells him Nehemia will be questioned in the council room tomorrow night, so he wants six guards posted outside the door. The king rides away.

Later, Chaol decides not to tell Celaena, figuring the king won’t hurt Nehemia and that Celaena knowing would make the situation worse. He gets dressed, leaving Celaena sleeping in his bed, and leaves the castle to get some air. He walks through the silent gardens thinking about taking Celaena as his wife. As he envisions his future with her, someone grabs him from behind, pressing something to his mouth and nose. Chaol passes out.

Celaena wakes alone in Chaol’s bed, and she guesses he’s fulfilling some obligation as Captain of the Guard. She imagines life with him. As she returns to her room and eats breakfast, another list of names arrives from Archer. Nehemia doesn’t come for their Wyrdmark lesson, but Celaena isn’t surprised after their argument yesterday.