Epilogue: At the dinner, the emperor presses a note into Basilard’s hand.

Chapter 19: After escaping the lake and thwarting the kidnappers, Basilard heads off for a dinner hosted for the victorious athletes. Amaranthe has made peace with Mancrest, and, at Maldynado’s urging, agrees to a picnic with the man, but Sicarius has something to say about that…