“Why three fences?” Cassie asked. “If someone can get past the electrical fence, it wouldn’t be a big deal for them to climb the inner wall.”

Impressed that Cassie saw the nearly invisible electric fence, he said, “The inner and outer walls protect people from the high voltage. The royal family wanted to make sure that anyone injured from the electric fence knew they weren’t supposed to be there.”

“Do you worry Stefano’s children might try to climb the fence?”

“They’ve all been taught of the dangers, not unlike teaching a child to look both ways before crossing the street,” Levi said. He couldn’t imagine having to address such issues as a parent, but then, he would never be royal. “Stefano and Alora never allow them to stray into the danger zone anyway.”

“What happens if someone manages to cut off the electricity to the fence?”

“We have multiple backup generators for our security systems,” Levi said. “To answer your original question, my men walk the perimeter at least once a day.”

“I gather we’re taking over that duty today.”

“We are.” They continued through the thick trees that lined the property edge. “Do you ride often?”

“Not since my mom passed away.”

“Not enough time?” Levi asked.

Her head tilted slightly to the left, and her words were spoken as though well practiced. “Time is a luxury of which I rarely have an abundance these days.”

“Do you have any pressing work that can’t wait until tomorrow?”

“I need to review the engineering proposal for a new construction project.”

“How long will that take?”

“A few more hours.” Cassie breathed in the salt air. “If I work on it this afternoon, I can put together my comments and recommendations in time to get it to my father tomorrow.”

“Good, because I have plans for us this morning.”

“Something besides horseback riding?” Cassie asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you going to tell me what they are?”

“No.”

Cassie gave him a sideways glance. “Are you trying to be mysterious?”

The corner of Levi’s lips twitched up. “No comment.”

* * *

“A picnic.” Delighted, Cassie reined in her horse and took in the picturesque setting. A red-and-white checkered blanket covered the grassy area beneath an ancient pine tree, the wide branches spreading over the peaceful setting. From where she currently sat, the Mediterranean spread out before her, the beach a short walk down the narrow path to her left.

“How did you manage this?” Cassie asked. “I’ve been with you all morning.”

“Patrice put together the food, and Paolo rode out to set our picnic up for us.” Levi pointed to a pack horse tethered a short distance away. “We’ll take everything back with us so they don’t have to come back to retrieve everything.”

“They are incredibly kind.”

“Yes, they are,” Levi agreed. “It didn’t hurt that they like you.”

They both dismounted and tied their horses to a tree a few meters away from the picnic.

“I thought about taking you onto the cliffs,” Levi said. “The view is incredible up there, but I figured you wouldn’t enjoy that as much.”