Chapters Twenty-one—Twenty-four Summary

In Chapter Twenty-one, Duval informs Ismae that he has a private meeting and that she needs to find something to keep herself occupied for the morning. Instead, she follows him and eavesdrops on his meetings. She only hears him promise to meet the man's liege, but gets no other details of the meeting. As she is trying to get out of the palace without being seen, Ismae happens to run into Duval's mother. She speaks to the lady, hoping to learn some of the family's secrets. Duval's brother also joins them. It is in this company that Duval finds Ismae. Ismae believes he seems angry and perhaps a little afraid that she has been visiting with his family. He escorts her away quickly.

In Chapter Twenty-two, Duval walks with Ismae back to his home. When she arrives...