Chapter 250 --250
"Either that," Mahir said, "or she’s been expecting it to be found eventually and wanted to know when the clock started." He paused. "The secretary said she didn’t know about the collars. Which is probably true — that piece was kept narrower. The secretary was operational, not architectural."
"The Empress Dowager is moving," Elara said.
"Not yet," Mahir said. "But she’s deciding. The report implies she’s calculating response options, not executing." He paused. "Liam’s assessment is she has approximately six hours before she commits to a direction."
"We have four," Elara said.
Mahir looked at her.
"The removal order is complete," she said. "I have full evidentiary documentation, witness testimony, and a legal framework that withstands challenge." She picked up the document. "I want the formal council convened at the fifth bell. Not the full council — the judicial quorum. Five members. I want them in the throne room with the regent’s authority invoked." She paused. "And I want the Empress Dowager summoned to the same room at the same time, through official channels, under the formal notification protocol. Nothing irregular. Everything correct."
"She’ll know," Mahir said.
"Yes," Elara said. "That’s the point. She’ll know and she’ll come anyway because refusing a formal regent’s summons is itself a violation of imperial protocol that worsens her position." She paused. "She’ll come and she’ll sit in that room and she’ll look at what I’ve assembled and she’ll understand that it’s over, and then she’ll make a choice about what kind of exit she wants."
Mahir was quiet for a moment.
"And if she doesn’t come," he said.
"Then she’s made the choice for me," Elara said, "and the proceeding continues in absentia, which legally is worse for her." She looked at him. "She’ll come."
"Ken should lead the escort," Mahir said. "For the formal summons."