Theo:
The procession of guests was slow but steady, each of them expressing their sorrow for my loss and their support for my upcoming ascension to the throne. Most of them had been drawn from the list, the same one that had brought Kathleen back to me.
Some businessmen, some charity workers who adored my mother. Family friends on both sides.
I was numb by the time Brian Halifax came up in the line, my brain short-circuiting from all the information.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," he said. "Tim was a great friend. I'm going to miss him—he had a sharp mind and an excellent imagination." He extended his hand. "Thank you and your staff for seating me with Kathleen and Lily. They provided lovely company for dinner."
"I'm sure." I shook it, adding a twist of strength.
Halifax raised an eye
