His deep voice called out an instant later. “Come.”

Cassie pushed open the door and entered her father’s apartment. It smelled of leather and aftershave, the lingering perfume her mother had always worn now a distant memory.

She passed through the living quarters and stopped at the bedroom door. Her lips curved when she saw her father standing in front of the oval mirror on the wall, his fingers tugging on his crooked bow tie.

“After all these years, I would have thought you’d figure out how to tie one of those.”

Dark eyes met hers in the mirror. “I can tie one.”

“Since you taught me it’s bad manners to contradict a king, I’ll ignore that comment.” She put her hand on his shoulder, nudging him so he would turn to face her. “Let me.” Cassie undid the tie and started over.

Her father’s voice softened. “Your mother always did this for me.”

“I know. I miss her too.” Cassie tugged on the bow tie, ensuring it was even and straight. “There you go. Perfect.”

He checked the mirror before nodding his approval. “Thank you.”

“Are you ready?”

“I should be asking you that. I’m sorry so many duties have fallen to you.”

She heard the unspoken words at the end of his sentence, “since your mother’s death.” Even though it had been over a year, the thought that her mother was no longer in this life could still cut her off at the knees. Her mother’s illness had been so quick, so unexpected. The doctor had barely uttered the word cancer before they were standing at her graveside.

“Have you spoken to Victoria and Anabelle today?” her father asked.

“Yes. I think they were both relieved you let them stay at school for summer term.”

“It’s hard for them to walk the halls and not have their mother here.”

The sorrow washed over her. Not wanting to dwell on the hurt, she said, “Anabelle did mention something about extra guards following her around. What’s with that?”

“A few rumblings. Nothing to worry about.”

“Papa, you keep too much from me.”

“You will bear the burden of leadership soon enough. Let me shield you a bit longer,” he said. “You’re only twenty-six. You should be traveling and learning more about the world instead of acting as hostess for state dinners.”

“Some things can’t be helped.” She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “But as hostess, it’s my duty to make sure the king is on time.”

“Bossy little thing, aren’t you?”

“You taught me well.”

“Let’s go.” He led the way out of his private quarters and into the main hallway, where one of his assistants was waiting. “Is everything in place, Theo?”

“Yes, King Alejandro.”

A guard took position in front of them, leading the way from the family’s private residence into the heart of the palace.

Framed masterpieces hung on the walls, the influence of the French, Italian, and Spanish all represented, as well as a few of Sereno’s own stars.