Cassie took a tentative step onto the bridge of trust they had once shared between them. “Or you could take over until Darius comes back.”

“I don’t think your father would go for that.”

“Like you said, we won’t know unless we ask.”

Levi took a bite of his sandwich, chewing slowly as though he needed a minute to ponder the possibilities. “Do you think your father would agree to meet with me?”

“I think so,” Cassie said with hope welling up within her. “I can see if he will meet with both of us this afternoon.”

“Maybe it would be best if I meet with him alone.”

“Are you sure?”

He put his hand on hers. “I’m sure.”

CHAPTER 47

Levi wasn’t terribly surprised that the king had put him off. He had rather expected it. What he hadn’t expected was to be ignored for three days.

His wheelchair had been replaced by a cane, and Ivan now spent more time with the newly arrived patients than he did with him. Now Levi’s days were filled with spending time with Cassie and working with Paciano to oversee the final details on the security enhancements. Whether King Alejandro agreed to let him stay on with the royal guard or not, Levi wasn’t leaving until he was certain every precaution was in place.

As for what would happen with him and Cassie after he recovered, Levi wasn’t certain. The sad truth was that the king wouldn’t be here by this time next year. If Alejandro did object to Levi’s presence, Levi could wait until after the king’s death to continue his relationship with Cassie. He wanted better for Cassie though. He wanted her to have her father’s approval for what he had in mind. It might be a long shot, but he owed it to Cassie to try.

He crossed the hall and was escorted into the king’s apartment, only this time, the king’s assistant showed him into the king’s office rather than his living room. Alejandro sat behind an enormous desk, a thick file on one side and a coffee mug on the other.

King Alejandro nodded at the butler. “Thank you, Byron. That will be all for now.”

“Yes, sire.” Byron bowed slightly and left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Have a seat,” Alejandro said.

“Thank you for making time to see me, Your Majesty.” Levi sat across from Alejandro.

“I’m sure you are aware that your presence here occurred despite my objec­tions.”

“I suspected as much,” Levi said. “I don’t know if your daughter mentioned that I have been following through with the work I started on your security enhancements.”

Alejandro straightened in his chair. “No, she didn’t.”

“Please don’t be upset with Princess Cassandra,” Levi said. “She allowed me access because she knows how concerned I am about her safety. Understandably, she wants her sisters to be allowed to come home and to know that they will be safe when they do so.”

“Her sisters are as anxious to be here as Cassie is to have them home.”