In the rain outside the ball, Kai is overwhelmed that Paedyn has chosen him and moves in to kiss her at last. He studies her closely, calls her beautiful, and lets himself believe that his feelings might be returned. Their lips barely touch before an Imperial guard interrupts, claiming the king urgently requires Kai.

Kai follows the summons and quickly learns the message was only a pretext to pull him away from Paedyn. Angry at losing the moment, Kai confronts the king in the ballroom and accuses him of using Kai’s own Imperial to spy on him and lie. Kai also points out that the guard will likely be punished for obeying the king’s order.

The argument escalates when the king says the court saw Kai chase after a "Slummer" and insists Kai is damaging the respect due to the future Enforcer. Kai pushes back, reminding his father that Slummers are also part of the kingdom. The king refuses that perspective, dismisses Paedyn as a temporary plaything, and makes clear he does not want Kai seen with her.

The confrontation turns more dangerous when the king mocks Kai and suggests Kai may end up killing Paedyn in the next Trial. That threat breaks Kai’s restraint, and the many powers he carries press against his control as his anger surges. The king’s words reopen old wounds from Kai’s brutal training and confirm how deeply his father still tries to dominate him.

Before the conflict becomes physical, Kitt steps in and diffuses the moment, guiding the king away with practiced ease. Kai reflects on how differently their father raised the two brothers: Kitt was shaped for rule and still seeks the king’s approval, while Kai was molded through pain into a weapon. After they leave, Kai looks for Paedyn, assumes the king has sent her away, and ends the chapter certain that his father will not be able to keep him from her.