In the palace court, the ruler confronts attendants over Florence's status; she reveals she's married and a stepmother. The ruler offers her the throne, the court erupts and servants call her unfit. Florence insists she chose her husband and tries to leave for her family. The ruler seizes control, declares "From this day forward, you are my woman," and orders her taken to the palace by force. Guards drag Florence as she struggles; Uncle Atticus bursts in and demands, "Where are you taking my wife?"