Found collapsed in the inner palace, a noblewoman is rescued by Sasha, her maidservant, who urges accusing Lady Warner for the scene. At court the noblewoman confronts the painter about a slanderous portrait—someone accuses Natalie of bribery and the artist begs, "Please spare Sofia," promising to repaint her radiant. The noblewoman instead orders the painter to make her look uglier, revealing it's deliberate. After news that Lady Hood has been found dead, she admits that staying out of favor saved her and resolves to force the King's attention tonight—aiming to change her fate.