Chapter 4
Theo
We were in one of the larger conference rooms, set up much like the panic room—but with more space and slightly less paranoia. Armed guards stood nearby, but they were palace security staff, not military.
This was the briefing before the briefing—my own people delivering updates pertinent to my situation.
I rubbed the back of my neck, touching damp skin. Josef had run me back to my suite and into the shower, noting the dark, grainy soot staining my clothing, flakes of ash in my hair.
"They'll wait a few minutes for you to look presentable." Josef said as he laid out clean clothes in the bedroom. I hurried through my bathroom routine, adrenaline keeping me on my feet.
Now, wearing a fresh suit and tie, I sat at the head of the long conference table, waiting.
"The inves
