In this chapter, we learn that alex has secretly been recruiting slaves and training them in combat. He has lost many of his leads, but he is determined to find the traitors. He tells Sophia that he will send more men to find their hideouts, and he tells her that he is the only person who can bring happiness to her. He reminds her that family is the most precious of all things in the world, and that her children are fighting for the throne. He says that they were once black and blue, but now they need protection. He asks her if she will see him again, and she gasps, saying that they will meet again. She tells him that all of his investments in neighboring countries are under the control of Macken, who has invested all his income into the slave forces. She asks him to help Darcy, who is in danger now.