The Crown Prince arrives at the northern stronghold to petition the king for Lady Avalene Snow's hand in marriage. Avalene, daughter of the Warden, interrupts and openly accuses the prince of scheming, calling his presence offensive. The prince's guard denounces her insolence, but the prince himself threatens her life, reminding her of his power despite his respect for her father. Avalene defiantly challenges him to kill her before dismissing him and leaving with her father, declaring the place tainted.