At a royal council the king issues a decree to secure the Moores' military power and the Palmers' wealth: because Cecilia, the Moores' heiress, is said infertile, she must accept an arranged position with Prince Oscar to preserve the alliance. Monica, raised by the family elder, stands by as the decree is signed. Immediately after, the grandmother forces Cecilia to kneel, publicly shames her and threatens punishment. Cecilia pushes back, accusing Monica of betraying family etiquette and exposing secrets. The elder vows discipline as Prince Oscar is summoned, leaving Cecilia's fate unresolved.