“After Friday night, I know better.” Cassie looked out at the Mediterranean and reminded herself that she was safe now. “I didn’t think anyone could penetrate the security of Sereno’s royal palace.”

“Unfortunately, no security is infallible.” Levi motioned toward a path on the other side of the pool. He waited until they walked by a cluster of palm trees before he continued. “I promise you, the security here has been enhanced repeatedly to prevent any reoccurrences.”

“Yet we are still relying on hiding my identity to keep me safe,” Cassie said.

“You are safe here.” Levi stopped by the sea wall and waited for her attention to focus on him. “Hiding your presence buys us time to investigate who might want you dead.”

The bluntness of his words struck her. “You don’t sugarcoat things, do you?”

“You are next in line for the throne of Sereno. Truth is necessary to rule effectively.”

“I said almost the exact thing to my father only two days ago. He didn’t agree.”

“I’m sure he’s trying to protect you.” Levi glanced behind him before his gaze returned to her. “King or not, heir to the throne or not, you will always be his little girl.”

“You sound like you are speaking from experience. Do you have children?”

“No, but I do have a younger sister.”

“Then you can understand my position,” Cassie said. “My father wants to protect all of his daughters, but eventually, it will be my responsibility to ensure the safety of Victoria and Annabelle. I can’t learn how to do that unless he lets me.”

“Then perhaps our dates should include expanding your understanding of how royal security works.”

“Our dates?”

“I’m your boyfriend, remember?”

An unexpected ripple of anticipation fluttered inside her. “How could I forget?”

CHAPTER 5

Julien sat in his streamlined office and seethed. News of the shooting in Sereno had broken thirty-six hours ago, but no one had confirmed the identity of the casualties. Why hadn’t he heard anything yet?

He stood and wandered to his window. Three stories below, pedestrians and cyclists made their way along the banks of the canal that cut through Copenhagen. The location had served his purposes well since graduating from university, but after six years, he was ready to take his place at the head of the country that should be his.

A knock sounded at his door.

“Come in.”

Pratt entered, took off his hat, and cast his eyes to the floor. The man was average height, his light-brown hair and common features serving him well when he didn’t want to be noticed.

“Is she dead?”

“I’m afraid not.” He turned his hat in his hand. “The princess escaped without harm.”

“How could you miss her?” Julien slammed both hands on his wooden desk, the movement causing several papers to take flight. “I gave you a foolproof road map of precisely where she would be.”

“The princess was later than expected, and my men encountered more resistance than anticipated.”