Strumosus of Amoria is a famous chef working for the Blues. Kyros works for him. Scortius bursts into the kitchen with two men who prove to be Carullus and Crispin, yelling that they are under attack. Carullus is injured, and the men outside say they only want “the Rhodian.” They have foolishly chased the men into the Blues’ compound. Another cook-in-training rouses the Blues, who promptly kill the intruders. The corpses are piled up by the gate for the Urban Prefect’s officers to sort out on Astorgus’ orders.

Earlier in the night, Scortius received a note from a married woman he is longing for. He enjoyed the assignation, but finds himself vulnerable in longing for intimacy, though he knows he is just a toy to the higher-class women. He sees swordsmen surround two men outside the Great Sanctuary. Against his own interests, he yells to warn them of the attackers and sprints to their side, drawing his knife. In fact, the soldiers are not there to kill the men—Crispin and Artibasos—but rather are Carullus and his men, there to guard them.

Earlier in the night, Crispin is brought to the Empress’ rooms and is impressed by a delicate, golden rose which denotes the “impermanence of beauty” (314).