Chapter 11

They drag me past the open doors of the throne hall like I’m already a corpse. The bells on my ankle chime with every step, a bright, mocking sound against the heavy silence of gathered ministers and silk-robed ladies. I feel the stares before I see them—rows of men in gold-trimmed black, jeweled women behind lattice screens, all turning toward the sound of the emperor’s chained pet. My knees hit the cold inlaid stone so hard my vision blurs. Someone yanks my head up by my hair so I’m...