With great relief, FitzChivalry makes his way back to Buckkeep from his task in the northern duchy of Bearns only to see Kettricken and Regal happily riding together through the countryside. He's drawn to Verity with that disturbing image in his mind and reports on his mission. Verity also sets out a new task to protect the countryside and dismisses Fitz, but not before they have a bit of a heart to heart. More relationship talk and thoughts about Verity's responsibilities take the forefront of this week's conversation on Robin Hobb's Royal Assassin.