After the King orders every maid and matron to play, the palace erupts as courtiers hunt for the musician who bewitched His Majesty. A clever concubine keeps her name secret to make him crave her; Sasha and attendants praise the plan while rivals Elsie and concubine Yasmin fear losing favor. The scheme succeeds: the King grows obsessed and she sends word to meet him tonight at the southeast pavilion. As she moves to leave for the rendezvous, someone blocks her and shouts "Stand where you are!", putting the secret meeting in jeopardy.