“Yes. Thank you, Theo.”

Theo stepped through the door. A moment later, she heard his voice come through the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Her Royal Highness, Princess Cassandra of Sereno.”

The rustle of fabric and the scraping of chairs sounded. Cassie waited a brief moment before entering, not surprised to find the entire audience standing.

She moved onto the stage and stepped behind the double podium that had been set up for today’s address. “Members of the press and honored guests, thank you for coming.”

The few whispers in the crowd ceased, and a hush came over the room. “I am here to announce a partnership between Sereno and Axion Oil to harvest the rich resources of natural gas and oil in our coastal waters. Mr. Keith Maloney has joined us today for the official signing of the agreement.”

Cassie motioned to Keith. “Mr. Maloney, would you please join me at the podium?”

Keith stood and took his position beside her where a second microphone had been set up for his use.

Hands immediately shot up.

Though she was well versed in dealing with the media, rarely had she acted as the family spokesperson. She mentally went through the simple lessons she had learned from childhood. Shoulders back, speak slowly and clearly, look people in the eye.

She motioned to a man in his forties. “Your question, sir.”

“I know several companies were being considered for the drilling rights. Who made the final decision?”

“The decision was mine.” Cassie motioned to a woman in her late thirties.

“I am surprised the contract is being awarded to an American company. How does your father feel about that?”

“My father entrusted this decision to me because of my knowledge of resource management. He supports the agreement I have made.”

Cassie and Keith entertained several more questions, many of them regarding the impact on Sereno when drilling began and the precautions that would be required to protect against potential spills.

When the question-and-answer portion of the press conference concluded, Cassie and Keith moved to the table where two copies of the agreement had been set out. Keith signed the copy on his side at the same time Cassie signed hers.

They straightened, and Cassie offered her hand to Keith. He shook it, holding on to her hand until the photographers’ flashes faded.

“Your Highness, thank you again. I look forward to the future this agreement can create for both of us.”

“As do I.”

* * *

Julien watched the televised announcement. The princess was home.

His phone rang, the number for the chief executive officer of Satori Oil lighting his screen. Julien ignored the call. He already knew what the man was going to say. Julien had all but guaranteed Satori would get the drilling rights in Sereno.

No matter. Once Julien was in power, he could either cancel the contract with Axion and give the rights to Satori, or he could expose Satori’s involvement in the assassination attempt. After all, no one could prove Julien had anything to do with the shooting.