Balthazar works with unusual care and pleasure on a serious magical operation, setting precise circles, candles, and inscriptions for the coming break-in at the illusionist's house. He reflects that he has finally gathered everything he needs not only to gain entry, but also to break the Pope's binding on him. Each time Balthazar lets his thoughts drift toward escape or revenge, however, the binding makes him physically sick, so he forces himself to focus on the immediate mission.

While Balthazar works, Alex struggles with writing under Brother Diaz's encouraging supervision. Baron Rikard interrupts to argue that penmanship matters less than bearing if Alex is to rule an empire. He begins drilling Alex in posture, movement, expression, and voice, insisting that she must project royal confidence until it becomes instinct.

Rikard's harsh lesson produces quick results. Alex learns to stand taller, move deliberately, and smile with controlled warmth instead of streetwise defiance. When she tries a polished greeting on Brother Diaz, even Balthazar is surprised by how completely she seems transformed from a gutter thief into a believable princess.

The lesson is cut short when Jakob and Marangon haul in one sackcloth-wrapped corpse and Vigga and Baptiste bring a second. Balthazar identifies them as the Visentin twins and eagerly inspects the bodies, pleased that they are in good enough condition for his purposes. Baptiste wants no part of the necromantic work, but Balthazar asks Jakob to help remove the heads, revealing that the corpses are the final gruesome tools for the plan ahead.