Chapter 5
Theo
It was hard to step back, break away from the hugs and embraces of the people gathered around the front gate. I wanted to wade in, allow myself to wallow in the emotional support, but a little voice at the back of my mind warned I had already risked too much. Taking chances was one thing, actively courting disaster was another.
The police gathered the flowers and stuffed animals, pocketing the hand-written notes for me to look at later, as I backed out of the crowd and retreated through the gates. A cheer went up from the back of the group and spread through the gathered people, the supportive shouts following me back to the palace.
Josef grabbed me as soon as the doors closed, his face scarlet. His fingers dug into my coat, gripping the fabric.
"You weren't supposed to
