In 1588 London, Queen Elizabeth I informs Crispin Foscari, Earl of Sandal, that he is relieved of duty due to accusations of treason. Her Royal Highness gives a shocked Crispin fourteen days to clear his name or potentially face the hangman's noose.
Phoenix is innocent of the charges.
In the Unicorn club, Crispin observes Sophie Champion dressed as a male. He confronts her with her gender and accuses her of killing informant Richard Tottle at the fastidious gambling hall. Sophie denies murdering Richard. She like Crispin was seeking information from the deceased. Sophie hopes to learn why someone killed her beloved godfather though officially it has been declared an accident.