Tosh wants Ara to connect with Dasco. Despite being very busy, Sylvia has good reason to be happy. Tosh and Diego catch up. Tosh tries again with Ara. Ara gets her cards read by Giest. Diego reconnects with his mother. Back in Falnix, Lucius insists on taking the blight from Río and helps her understand the actual stakes. Apollo knows just the right thing to say. Civil unrest comes to the palace.

Athena continues to be questioned by General Hemming who doesn't seem to be doing well. Her obstinance has exhaustive consequences. Río attends the Tournament of Champions Ball in a politically provocative dress. Apollo publicly stands beside her as the court reacts to their relationship. Lucius has a warning for his sister.

The fallout from Dragutin's reveal has Apollo needing to speak with his father. Dragutin takes Río to the royal bath + seamstresses, where she finally relaxes in spite of herself. Despite desperately needing to speak with Apollo, Río finds herself unable to reach him. Eventually they connect, and Apollo shares news of Athena while they plan for the future. Río makes a choice. Athena is questioned further. Ara has some more work to do.

Tosh spars with a competitor with a hammer and learns about the Crimson Bolt. Diego arms the Knights of Harmony and has a run in with Geist.

Athena, Ríona and Fergus are taken into custody and brought to the dungeon of the palace. Río and Athena bring each other up to date on what happened that day. Río will not ask Apollo for help. Fergus is interrogated and meets up with Rick Smothers. Athena is questioned and gives them nothing. Río's interrogation is interrupted by a royal, romantic reunion. When reality comes crashing in, Dragutin spills the beans.

Combat continues as Athena, Río, Fergus, Rick, and Aurelia fight valiantly against the stone golem + crew and are taken into custody by the crown for their efforts.

Combat ensues as Athena, Fergus, and Río attempt to stop the stone golem. Rick Smothers joins the fight. Athena gets a startling vision. A last minute ally makes an appearance. 

Telloh introduces himself to a collected Río and the two discuss philosophy over drinks. Realizing something is wrong, Athena gets help and takes off for the Bedside Manor while a conflicted Apollo stays behind. Río holds her own against a host of singularly minded foes. A familiar face joins the fight.

Río removes her veil and the city responds. Athena faces off in the fencing category against 3 familiar opponents. The masked opponent arranges a secret meeting with Río through Athena, who doesn't feel right about the situation. Tosh reconnects with Dasco after being tested and they discuss the cost of Cruentus. Río hears what she needs to hear through the whisperstone and promises Athena she'll be careful. Athena competes in the joust. An unexpected opponent shows up at the tournament at the same moment Río keeps her clandestine meeting with Apollo.

Río deals with the aftermath of an unforeseen hangover while Athena learns a valuable lesson from a blacksmith. Tosh gets more than he bargained for when he trains with Dasco. Diego and Sylvia have a heart-to-heart.