In this episode a consort, Dax, returns to his ailing father with medicine paid for by Lady Vear, triggering alarm because consorts who go home without permission risk execution. Earlier, other consorts argue whether Lady Vear has changed and worry she may favor Declan; several decide to follow her to the Chancellor's Manor while another stays to guard Vear Manor. Dax insists Lady Vear permitted his visit, but servants taunt him as lowborn and incite a mob to 'beat him to death on behalf of Lady Vear,' leaving his survival unknown.