“Father, this is Levi Marin,” Cassie said. “Levi, this is my father, His Royal Majesty, King Alejandro of Sereno.”

“It is an honor to meet you in person, sir.”

Worry flashed through Cassie that Levi would step forward and offer his hand, something that would be a breach of protocol. She needn’t have doubted him. Levi remained where he was, a half step behind her.

The king pushed to a stand and stepped forward. Still, he didn’t offer his hand, as though testing Levi. “I understand I owe you a debt of gratitude for keeping my daughter safe these last few weeks.”

“Not at all. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity.” Levi didn’t expand on what opportunity had been his privilege, protecting Cassie or getting to know her. She considered the omission a wise one.

“I am grateful nonetheless.” King Alejandro extended his hand.

Levi shook it, offering a bow of his head in acknowledgment of her father’s position.

“Breakfast is ready.” King Alejandro gestured toward where his butler stood in the archway that led to the dining room. “Shall we?”

“Of course.”

Again, Levi’s time serving royals shone through. He waited for Cassie and her father to lead the way into the dining room. Levi pulled out her chair and waited until everyone else was seated before he took his place beside her.

“I’m sorry I had Cassandra wake you so early this morning, especially knowing how late you got in last night, but my schedule is rather full today, and I wanted the chance to meet you.”

“I didn’t wake him, Papa,” Cassie interjected. “He and one of his associates have been out walking the grounds.”

“I see. And what do you think of our upgraded security?”

“I’ve only begun to assess what is currently in place,” Levi said. “I suspect I will have a few more suggestions once I finish my analysis.”

“I look forward to hearing about them,” Alejandro said.

“If I may be so bold, I would appreciate it if you can schedule some time to meet with your daughter today. She has some information to discuss with you that could significantly reduce the threats against her.”

“I have an hour until my first meeting.” Her father’s attention landed on Cassie. “What is this information of yours?”

Cassie gripped her hands together in her lap. She had envisioned sitting in her father’s office and giving him a formal presentation on the contract she had signed and the reasons for her choice.

Levi’s arm brushed against hers as though nudging her into action.

“During my time in Meridia, I did a significant amount of research into the top four oil companies we have considered to partner with for drilling in the Sereno gas fields.”

“I expected no less from you.”

Warmth spread through her at the subtle compliment. Her nerves eased. “In narrowing down the candidates, we discovered some frightening information.”

“We?”

“Levi and I.”

“You discussed classified proprietorial information with your bodyguard?”