Guards lead Queen Rosalinda and Señor Verde into the room followed by Señor Verde’s new assistant, Juan Pedro, and red-faced King Aveno. King Aveno has placed everyone under house arrest. Abuela screens Solimar from view, partially closing the door. Hidden, Solimar listens. Aveno will hold everyone hostage until King Sebastián agrees to sell him the land containing the oyamel forest. Aveno has spies and guards in Puerto Rivera to stop the king and prince from attending the alliance meeting with other rulers. Aveno knows that the weaker kingdoms will not challenge him. Señor Verde, distraught, apologizes for not realizing Juan Pedro was a spy.

Aveno wants to find Solimar. Abuela loudly says that she sent Solimar for her golden book. Guards fan out to search. Solimar understands that Abuela wants her to escape through the tunnel. She safely reaches the library tunnel and eavesdrops on Juan Pedro and Aveno. Juan Pedro overheard the women at Doña Flor’s house and knows about Solimar’s magic. Aveno wants to use Solimar’s gift to become more powerful. Aveno sends guards to Doña Flor’s house and down the caravan road. Solimar knows she must warn her father and Campeón. Lázaro and Zarita await her when she emerges from the tunnel.