The protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, must traverse a treacherous parapet during a storm as part of her training to become a rider.
Competitors are not typically out to assassinate one another, but a rivalry between Violet and a competitor named Jack intensifies the tension.
Jack is characterized as violent and unstable, seen when he pushes one competitor to his death during the challenge.
Violet begins the challenge with dread, especially as she's aware that her friend Dylan is already dead, and she's targets because her mother is General Sorrengail.
While moving along the parapet, Violet tries to distract herself from the height and dangerous conditions by recalling facts and history related to her kingdom, Navarre, and its centuries-old war against the Poromiel kingdom.
Jack pursues and threatens Violet during the challenge, but despite her fear, she arrives safely on the other side, where she points a dagger at Jack, ultimately sparing him.
Upon her arrival, Violet learns from fellow riders that if Jack were to harm her here, he'd be executed; his assaults must take place in the training ring or while unsupervised.
Jack threatens to kill Violet as he steps into the courtyard, exchanging his first threat upon her with a more personal one after she decides to spare his life.