Chapter 16
Theo
One rule learned early in my childhood was to keep your voice low during chitchats in this particular ballroom—the acoustics were such that in certain places, a whisper would sound like a shout.
"Think of it as a feature, more than a curse," Dad said once, leading me around the room. "Back in the days when you fought for your land, your throne, being able to overhear secrets was a valuable resource. This room was designed to allow a ruler and his advisers to position themselves and gather information." He pointed at Josef. "Stand over there, please."
Josef did so, taking up his position with his hands tucked behind his back. He was thirty, forty feet from where we stood.
"Now recite today's schedule. Just use your regular voice, nothing special."
His words echoed in m
