Nicholas teams up with Laskin, Schiff, and Singer to undermine Corporal Zubak's influence on Elena. Simultaneously, Elena negotiates a cobalt deal with Senator Holt while Agnes evades Laskin's questions about her son's mysterious recovery.
Concerned about Zubak's growing influence, Nicholas conspires with Laskin, Schiff, and Singer to find ways to sour the corporal in Elena's eyes. With the cobalt deal stalling, Elena welcomes Senator Judith Holt to the palace to negotiate an agreement between their two countries. Later, Agnes deflects Laskin's inquiries about her ailing son's miraculously good health.