In the beginning of the book, Crispin and Martinian were working on a chapel in Varena to be dedicated to the late King Hildric. After the work is complete, its dedication ceremony falls on the same day in which Crispin survives two attempts on his life. The chapel is full of Antae nobility, highly ranked clerics, and the relevant artisans. As the clerics begin the ceremony, Agila, the Antae Master of Horses draws his hidden—and forbidden—sword. He disparages the queen and claims that she had conspired to surrender them to the Inicii. The “queen” in the crown and under the convenient veil proves to be a double despite the presence of the queen’s faithful eunuch. Agila kills both the impostor and Pharos, Gisel’s most trusted servant. Eudric, the Chancellor of the Antae, condemns Agila’s actions, though Agila claims that the two had planned the conspiracy and assassination together. Eudric’s men are prepared and quickly kill Agila and his own forces. After Agila’s death, Eudric announces his intention to establish order “in the queen’s name, of course” while he finds her (404).

From aboard a ship, Gisel mourns for the two people she loved most—her childhood nurse and most trusted servant.