She Dreamed Her Empire Would Burn, So She Set Out to Break Four Collars novel · Chapter 13 of 24
Chapter 13: No Catch
Nimeriel took the circlet from her father's hands, because they were shaking too hard to hold it.
It weighed almost nothing.
Up close, the pale wood had a faint grey bloom on it.
The Emperor's fingers closed over hers.
He squeezed twice, hard.
When she was six, he had used that signal across crowded rooms, behind a minister's back, with a straight face.
It meant no.
"Father," she said quietly.
His eyes went to the Chancellor and back to her, clear and wet and afraid.
He let go.
By now the stair hall had filled.
Lords in dressing gowns leaned over the gallery rail, and kitchen kin stood at the back with their trays, not daring to breathe.
"A few moments, Highness," said Veridian gently. "That is all it needs."
Nimeriel walked down to the bottom step, where the whole hall could see her.
She held up the circlet in both hands.
"Before I put this on," she said, "I'd like someone to look at the clasp."
A murmur ran around the gallery.
"There is nothing to see," said the Chancellor.
"Then it won't take long." She held it out to the nearest lord, a white-bearded elf in a nightcap who had once taught her to ride. "My lord. Please. Open it."
He took it as if it might bite.
He turned the copper clasp over and pressed it with his thumb.
He pressed it again, harder, and frowned.
"There's no catch," he said.
His voice carried to every gallery.
"Once it's closed, it can't be opened."
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