Cardinal Zizka enters Alex's throne room in formal state, acting as the Pope's representative and bringing a relic as a diplomatic gift. Alex, now enthroned as Empress, makes clear that Brother Diaz has become Father Diaz in the Eastern Church and serves as her personal chaplain and confessor. Instead of accepting Zizka's ceremony at face value, Alex has Father Diaz hand over the letter Zizka sent to Duke Michael, exposing Zizka's role in the plot against Alex.

Alex erupts in anger and accuses Zizka of conspiring to have her killed. Zizka does not deny it; instead, Zizka coolly says that power requires compromise and "expediency," and argues that rulers often must act from the shadows. When Alex demands the devils be released from papal control and given to her, Zizka refuses outright, invoking the Pope's authority over any earthly throne.

Zizka then explains why the devils will not be left with Alex. Zizka argues that Vigga is uncontrollable, that Baron Rikard and Balthazar were immensely destructive, and that Sunny could become both a political disaster and a dangerous uncertainty if the elves return. Zizka says the congregation is not simply evil but monstrously powerful and childlike, making containment in the Holy City safer for everyone, including the devils themselves. Zizka allows that Jakob of Thorn, if he survived his fall into the sea, could join Alex because he was convicted of no crime, though Zizka warns he may be the most dangerous of them all.

After settling the question of the devils, Zizka bluntly reassesses Alex. Zizka admits that Zizka first saw Alex as an unfit thief and preferred Duke Michael because he was a kind of danger Zizka understood, but now sees real character in Alex and believes Alex may grow into the throne. Zizka warns that Alex's position is still weak, her enemies are many, and the coming threat of the elves will require allies. With Father Diaz giving subtle approval, Alex accepts the political reality, puts aside personal grievance, and agrees to consider reunion between the Eastern and Western Churches in exchange for support, warning that such a deal will be expensive. Zizka answers that God has deep pockets.