This chapter opens in the palace of the Queen of Spain. It is the middle of the day, and the King is preparing to depart for his meeting with the Council of Ministers. The Queen is sitting in her palace, surrounded by portraits of her past monarchs. She is wearing a crown, and her hair is long. The King is dressed in finery, and he is accompanied by his attendants, who are dressed as if they have just arrived from the Crusades. When the King enters the room, he is greeted by his page, Subaru, who is making tea for him. The two exchange pleasantries, and when the King asks for a cup of milk, Subaru says he does not want to drink it, because he is afraid that the Queen will think he is drunk. He then tells the Queen that he is not drunk, and that he has been invited to the Council to greet the Council. He tells the King that he was not feeling well, and had hoped to contact him, but he did not have his phone with him. He apologizes for his behavior, and says that he will take care to avoid it in the future.