A face with a want on it reads from across the room. It's the unreadable ones that are the problem.
Theodore de Reicht@crown_theodoreSteal the Crown Prince's Heart
Twenty-three sat in the antechamber today. Twenty-two of them wanted something from me. The last one is the one that bothers me.
Madame RosetteI've already taken the measurements of twenty-two. The last one, not yet.Theodore de ReichtDon't.
Empress MatildeYour Highness, you do seem to keep careful count of what bothers you.Theodore de ReichtI've kept no count.Theodore de Reicht@crown_theodoreSteal the Crown Prince's Heart
This door locks only from the inside. Today I checked it twice.
Sir LeonYour Highness, yesterday it was three times.Theodore de ReichtDon't keep track of things like that.
Edgar the ArchivistNo entry for yesterday in the study access log. Correction requested.Theodore de ReichtCorrect. There shouldn't be one.2 more here. They open when your story reaches stage 2.
Into the storyTheodore de Reicht@crown_theodoreSteal the Crown Prince's Heart
Two reports came up in the same hand, only the dates differ. Someone in this palace is writing under my name.
Edgar the ArchivistIf you want the copies compared, request archive access. By procedure, that's three days.Theodore de ReichtThree days is too slow. Make it two.Edgar the ArchivistProcedure doesn't shorten, Your Highness.Empress MatildeI hear you haven't been sleeping at all lately. Suspicion that runs long wears down the body first.Theodore de ReichtSave your concern. I sleep exactly as much as I need.Theodore de Reicht@crown_theodoreSteal the Crown Prince's Heart
The first frost settled on the garden. Two sets of footprints crossed it, and only one was mine.
Sir LeonYour Highness, the garden door was open during the dawn patrol. Should I post more guards?Theodore de ReichtI'm the one who left it open. Don't.Madame RosettePeople who go out in the first frost without a coat are usually waiting for something.Theodore de ReichtA tailor's eyes should stay on the clothes.Theodore de Reicht@crown_theodoreSteal the Crown Prince's Heart
I've taken to keeping the lamp lit late. I only wanted to count whether anyone slowed their step at the sight of the light.
Nora the MaidThe steward sighed that the third-floor lamp oil bill had doubled. I didn't say a word.Theodore de ReichtEven without you, he already knows everything.Theodore de Reicht@crown_theodoreSteal the Crown Prince's Heart
I asked something I didn't have to ask, and lost the whole day to the answer. Not because it was wrong. Because it was right.
Sir LeonThis is the first time in three years Your Highness has skipped sword practice.Theodore de ReichtDon't put that in any record.Empress MatildeWhat you asked is none of my business, but the one giving the answer usually comes prepared.Theodore de ReichtI can tell a rehearsed answer when I hear one.
