Duncan Idaho storms through the Citadel corridors, seething with anger following a confrontational encounter in the Guard Mess. Moneo had intercepted him there to deliver an ominous message from the God Emperor, declaring that Idaho's infatuation with Hwi Noree must cease because she is the intended bride of the ruler. Refusing to accept this decree, Idaho openly rails against absolute rule and questions Moneo about the God Emperor's nature, inadvertently shocking Moneo into warning him that the ruling worm creature can dominate the Emperor at any provocation. Troubled by this slip and deeply resentful of being compared to his previous ghola incarnations, Idaho returns to his quarters and unlocks his door.
To his utter astonishment, Hwi Noree is already waiting inside his private sitting area, having gained entry via locks manufactured by the Ixians. Though initially fearful for her safety, Idaho listens as she explains that guardswomen brought her there after overhearing his outburst. As they converse, mutual longings surface, and despite the immense danger and the strict prohibitions of the God Emperor, the two surrender to an overwhelming attraction and become lovers.
During the quiet aftermath, Hwi calmly reflects on the depth of their connection and insists that she intends to confess their transgression directly to the God Emperor. Idaho reacts with immediate panic and disbelief, warning her of the ruler's wrath and his godlike omnipotence, but Hwi remains resolute. She explains that while she is destined to serve and marry the God Emperor to fulfill his grander, necessary designs, she recognizes that he needs her presence for reasons beyond physical love. The chapter closes as Idaho struggles to reconcile his deep affection for Hwi with the terrifying realization that their secret liaison places them both at the absolute mercy of the tyrant they serve.