Fitz arrives in Jhaampe, the city of the Cyurdas. It is here that the ceremony of the marriage of Truth with Kettricken, or rather, here that Royal will pronounce his vows on behalf of his brother, remained in Castelcerf for Artiser... Fitz has a mission: to accomplish the will of Subtil by eliminating Rurisk, the elder brother of the bride... Prince Royal will lead Fitz into a trap and, in doing so, to reveal his intentions to run for the throne of Subtil. Returning to Castelcerf, Fitz finds that Kettricken adapts gently to his new life as wife. He also finds Molly, the young woman of his thoughts... As for Royal, he prepares in the shadows, his revenge...