The key seems to have something of a will of its own. Alison wanted to go to Mother Om's palace, but the key would not take her there.

I wonder if Alison's rage is being directed at Mottom. Mottom's acts against the king and his partner may be something that Alison is straining to undo.

Somehow or the other, I suspect this will end with Mottom's palace in flames, Alison fleeing with White Chains and Cio, and the conga line of assassins having some members lost, but adding Mottom herself to its number.