This chapter opens with a conversation between Roxane and Roxane's cousin, Madame Lanya. Roxane says that she's never heard of a small country wanting to join the Pearl Spring alliance, and that the princess must've done something "to charm how ridiculous" . She tells Roxane that all of her mustache boys have been sent to mines because of her, and she apologizes for not speaking up sooner. She says that if she recommends her now, it will "ruin your reputation" , so she won't be able to find out who spread the rumor that the pearl spring alliance is coming. She also says that the rumors about the alliance are probably coming from a black cloaking organization, which seems to have "infiltrated many families," and that she plans to "get rid of them." Roxane goes back to his room, where he's going to kiss her. He asks her to kiss him, but she doesn't want to do it out loud. She's shivering, and he asks her if she likes it when she touches him. He's so bossy, she says, that she can't even say no. He wants her by his side, and when he kisses her, she asks him if it's made her dumb. He tells her that he'll give a speech tomorrow, and wants her to be his side. She asks him what's wrong. He says that he and Madame Lanzba were in love, and