Three levels above the foundation, Didi stopped beneath the succession archive's branching seal with the index slip still clenched.
Hajin watched her fit the ordinary princess token into its lowest groove while the guards cleared space around the console. A verification current climbed the carved branches and stalled below the upper socket, leaving the archive's central doors firmly closed.
"Come on, come on, open up for her..." he muttered, leaning so close his breath fogged the brass.
"Oh, you stingy little piece of—"
She pressed her token flat against the groove, "My identity passed, so read the refusal before anyone calls the warrant defective."
[ Identity: Princess Didi | Ordinary royal clearance: Valid ]
[ Restricted succession records: Access denied | Warrant cross-reference: Series twelve ]
