The obviously fraudulent news has only one purpose – to lure Ivanhoe into a trap. Malvoisin is convinced that Ivanhoe will agree to give up his struggle for the love of Rowena. Ivanhoe cannot imagine losing his beloved, though he knows this is another of the Prince’s traps. He offers Prince John a secret arrangement – the papers are drawn up and the bargain is signed and sealed. Malvouisin’s plan is simple. The parchment is the proof of Ivanhoe’s “treachery”. Revealing the agreement will muzzle Ivanhoe once and for all. But he’s forgotten how crafty our hero really is. With the help of a clever illusionist, Ivanhoe manages to switch the parchment. John no longer has any proof of their agreement. But he thinks he’s calling all the shots and he announces his marriage to Lady Rowena, sure that now Ivanhoe can’t do anything to stop him.