Paciano motioned for her to stop as the three guards in the woods moved to the next section. Another two hundred meters and they would reach the edge of the trees.

An ambulance pulled away from the palace as another one arrived. A golf cart started up the hill, presumably to transport Levi from where she had left him to the waiting ambulance.

Cassie’s stomach clenched as images of the latest shooting played through her mind. Had she shot the man trying to kill her, or had Levi? She couldn’t be sure. In truth, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Just the memory of aiming the gun at another person made her shudder.

“Your Highness, we’re clear,” the guard said.

That was all Cassie needed to hear. She urged her horse into a canter, and the two men once again took position on either side of her. Cassie bypassed the path leading to the stables and instead headed straight for the entrance to the residence.

The guard stationed by the door opened it for her. Cassie swung down from the saddle, let the reins drop, and limped inside.

“Where is my father?” Cassie asked the guard.

“In the front hall.”

“Thank you.” Cassie ignored the pain that shot through her ankle with each step as she continued forward. She made it only halfway to her intended destination before she was intercepted by her father and uncle heading toward her.

“Cassie!” Her father rushed forward and scooped her into his arms. “Thank the heavens you’re safe.”

Cassie buried her face in his chest, her emotions spiraling as her father’s arms pulled her close.

Her uncle’s hand came down on her shoulder as though he too needed to make sure she was still breathing. “Cassie, I’m so glad you’re okay.”

She nodded but couldn’t speak. Tears threatened, and she squeezed her eyes closed to fight against them. Then she took a ragged breath and struggled to control her breathing.

“Let’s go into my apartment,” Alejandro said. “I want to know what happened.”

Cassie took a step toward the elevator and stumbled.

Her father caught her by one arm, and her uncle grabbed the other.

“Are you okay?” Elliott asked.

“It’s nothing serious. Just my ankle.”

“Lean on me. I’ll help you upstairs.” Her uncle slipped his arm around her waist. Cassie let him support her weight with each step on her left foot. When they finally reached her father’s living room, she sat on the couch.

The sense of security she expected to feel once she was home didn’t come, and she couldn’t help looking around to make sure they were really alone.

“It’s okay. You’re safe now,” her father assured her. He sat beside her.

“Can I get you something?” Elliott asked. “Some water or lemonade?”

“A glass of water would be wonderful, thank you,” Cassie said. “Did the guards tell you that both the shooters were killed?”

“Yes.” Alejandro laid his hand on hers. “I’m so sorry, Cassie. I should have enlisted the help of Interpol when Theo first came to me.”