I have read the passage in "The Contest" and I believe the following lines suggest that Emperor Nero was ruthless:
“Quick, Policles, quick!” he cried. “My pony is tethered behind yonder grove. A grey he is, with red trappings. Get you gone as hard as hoof will bear you, for if you are taken you will have no easy death.”“No easy death! What mean you, Metas? Who is the fellow?”“Great Jupiter! did you not know? Where have you lived? It is Nero the Emperor! Never would he pardon what you have said about his voice. Quick, man, quick, or the guards will be at your heels!” - This was the conversation of Policles and his friend, Metas of Corinth......................<span />
Their huge hooked claws and long arms allow them to spend most of their time hanging upside-down from trees. Since they have a slow metabolism, they need very little food. They feed on fruit, leaves, buds, and young twigs. Sloths rarely climb down from the trees and can live for up to 30 years.
Their long claws (8-10cm) make them great tree climbers but inhibit the speed they can walk on land. The main reason they leave the trees is to defecate, which they only do once a week and lose a 1/3 of their body weight in the process!
Answer:
Waverly tricks her mother by saying she doesn't want to play in a chess tournament, knowing this will cause her mother to make her play.