Inside the Question Garden before dawn: black stone paths, iron rose trellises, glass vials, and drainage grooves arranged like a formal indoor garden. Yelena prepares alone for a royal case.

Yelena receives and reads the sealed royal order that defines the stakes of the interrogation.

The Garden doors open and the prisoner transfer begins.

Cassian enters the Question Garden, exhausted but composed.

Cassian is secured to the table while Yelena watches for his first reactions.

Yelena and Cassian silently read each other before the interrogation starts.

Yelena prepares to begin, but Cassian requests terms first.

Yelena accepts Cassian's condition because it seems harmless and useful.

Yelena establishes the Garden's rules so the reader and Cassian understand the limits and consequences.

Yelena explains oversight by the Garden Master and Cassian agrees to proceed.

The formal interrogation starts with identity and accusation.

Yelena questions Cassian about where he was during the murder window.

Yelena establishes that Cassian had the skill and opportunity, but he refuses to confess.

Yelena applies legal pressure through posture, thirst, and repetition. Cassian weakens but does not confess.

The first day of interrogation ends without confession, and Cassian claims his question.

Cassian asks a personal question that cuts through Yelena's control.

Yelena could refuse but answers out of pride, exposing a wound without explaining it.

Cassian acknowledges the answer without pity, then reveals the hidden location of the alleged murder weapon.

Yelena sends Tomas Vell to verify Cassian's claim under guard.

The blue sash is opened enough to reveal the dagger, confirming Cassian's information.

Tomas brings the dagger back. Cassian and Yelena see the confirmation together.

Yelena realizes Cassian has changed the shape of the case without confessing.