Alistair pursues Seraphina outside and invokes Ducal Contract Law to block her departure. He demands three years of wages in gold, which she cannot afford. Seraphina yields to the financial trap, agreeing to remain solely to complete her formal handover. Soon after, Gareth informs her that Alistair ordered a sapphire necklace for her. Princess Rowena then approaches Seraphina and announces Alistair ordered her attendance at the banquet.
Alistair rushes to the terrace and uses ducal law against Seraphina. He demands three years of wages in gold before letting her walk away. Unable to pay the steep debt, Seraphina returns only to finish transferring her clerical duties.
00:54: Gareth Shares a Secret
In the corridor, Gareth Wycliffe intercepts Seraphina. He explains that Alistair commissioned the Winter's Tear sapphire necklace from the market for her. Seraphina remembers the jewel, but she knows the upcoming feast is meant to honor Princess Rowena.
01:57: Rowena Delivers a Summons
Princess Rowena walks down the corridor with her attendant and confronts Seraphina directly. Rowena states that Alistair insisted on Seraphina attending the banquet tonight. Seraphina faces the princess in the hallway without backing down from her gaze.
Key Lines from Episode 7
“Under Ducal Contract Law, a High Scribe who ends her contract early must repay three years' salary in pure gold.”
“Until the handover is done, there will be only rank and duty between us.”
“Inside was the Winter's Tear sapphire necklace.”
“He insisted that High Scribe Rael attend tonight's banquet.”
How Episode 7 Ends
Rowena confronts Seraphina in the corridor and delivers Alistair's command to attend the evening banquet. Seraphina is left standing before the future duchess with news of Alistair's hidden sapphire gift still fresh in her mind. Why did Alistair insist on her presence at Rowena's celebration, and will he actually present the sapphire necklace to Seraphina?