- People prepare for the day, and Caden encounters a wild cat that leads him to a chamber where a Silver Oak man is being beaten.
- Caden intervenes, swapping clothes with the tortured messenger to help him escape.
- Ideas circulate on how to extricate Marcus (the man from silveroak) and Nykos from Montmier, fearing repercussions from Montmier's assault on the Silver Oak companion.
- Plans are discussed, including placing the spies in Adury's room and considering the safety of Siobhan and her entourage.
- A noble lockdown occurs, when they are taken to a place where the nobles are playing Bocce ball. Duchess Lucy expresses that almern comandos have been caught, anticipating the restoration of order.
- House Quangbang is accused of infiltration, utilizing horse-sized flying squirrels known as 'Deacu' to infiltrate Valherst castle.
- Caden's decision to skin an endangered noble creature unfolds, leading to the discovery of secret notes (conferming they are from house almern) and the initiation of plans to smuggle Marcus and Nykos.
- Interrogation of Marcus ensues, revealing his allegiance to Gratzi and the brewing proxy war though Talmert.
- A decision is made to kill Marcus, leaving him in a public hallway, and a fabricated story is created to divert suspicion.
- Siobhan builds rapport with Duke Montmier, engaging in discussions about legends, war, and the Treaty of Fire and Waves.
- Litlia Mookjai enters the scene, sparking conversations with the nobility, and Lucy offers assistance to Almirn in exchange for territorial gains.
