Shallan awakens determined to stop being pushed around. With Pattern slipping through a keyhole and nudging the mechanism, she unlocks Tyn’s trunk, claiming clothing and spheres. She orders Vathah to gather Tyn’s burned bones for later disposal and instructs Macob, the caravan master, to procure a palanquin—and his discretion.

Carried toward the immense Alethi warcamps, Shallan reviews her goals: uncover Jasnah’s purpose on the Shattered Plains, warn about the parshmen, and maneuver against Tyn’s contacts. Despite Tyn’s warning not to rely on Dalinar, she aims to secure his patronage. Hearing all highprinces are with the king and that something deadly occurred, she chooses to go directly to the royal conference. To bolster herself, she sketches a confident version of herself and unconsciously draws a little Stormlight.

At the Kholin palace, Shallan projects authority, passing heavily posted gates without challenge and having Vathah ready to announce her as Adolin’s betrothed. Inside, the corridors grow grander as she ascends toward the conference room crowded with soldiers from multiple highprinces, Dalinar’s contingent notably apart.

Captain Kaladin recognizes Shallan from the road and confronts her about the stolen boots and her earlier Horneater disguise. He detains Gaz—an old enemy—and accuses Shallan of exploiting the presumed death of Adolin’s betrothed. Shallan counters by producing a spanreed exchange between Jasnah and Navani that arranged the betrothal.

After a biting exchange of insults, Kaladin takes the document inside. When the meeting pauses, he returns, visibly annoyed, and permits Shallan to enter alone while holding back Vathah and Gaz. Shallan steps into the king’s conference chamber, having forced an audience and a place within Kholin circles.