Arslan remains determined to take the throne-despite knowing the truth of his lineage. With Rukhnabad in hand, he races to confront Hilmes. Andragoras intervenes, setting up a showdown with the one man who has a legitimate claim to the throne. That is, until Innocentis leaps on Andragoras's back, toppling the mountain of a man out the window of the north tower. The fate of Pars once again hangs in the balance as the two men hurtle toward the ground below. Only one thing is certain: the next chapter of the Parsian royal family's story shall be written in blood.