“You couldn’t have known this was going to happen,” Cassie said.

“Yeah, but the idea was to help you feel normal, not throw you into another tense situation.” Levi led her outside, and instantly, Cassie looked around, her heartbeat racing, her palms sweating. She was no longer trapped in the storage room, but she was very much exposed in the open parking lot.

She quickened her step, relieved when she climbed into the car and Levi closed the door.

Levi circled to the back and parked beside the white sedan. “Do you want to wait here or come with me?”

Cassie didn’t know how to answer. She didn’t want to be alone, but she also didn’t want to be outside where she would feel exposed again.

The door to the loading dock opened, and Pierre emerged, the crate in his hands.

Levi popped the trunk. Two minutes later, the painting was secure, and Levi was sitting beside her.

He started the engine. “Let’s get you home.”

Home. Cassie knew he referred to the chateau, but her thoughts went to her private quarters in the palace in Sereno. She wanted her home, but what would it take to get her there? And was she really any safer here in Meridia?

* * *

Levi passed the guards at the chateau entrance and parked the car near the front door. He didn’t want Cassie to have to walk any farther than necessary to get inside. He turned off the engine. “I am so sorry about today.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Cassie said. “And I think you’ve apologized enough.”

Levi turned in his seat to face her. The terrified woman he had left locked in the museum’s secure storage room had disappeared, a remarkably calm princess now sitting in her place.

“Are you really okay, or are you wearing your princess mask again?”

Both elegant eyebrows lifted. “My princess mask?”

“Yeah, you know. That regal expression you adopt every time you need to meet new people or hide your feelings.”

A flash of surprise surfaced, and her lips curved slightly. “I didn’t realize you knew me so well.”

“We’ve spent a lot of time together lately.”

“That’s true.” She unclipped her seat belt. “I’m really okay, but the next time we go into the village, I get to make our plans.”

“You’d be willing to go out again, even after what happened?” Levi asked.

“I have to admit I rather liked being out without an entourage following me,” Cassie said.

“Did you have someplace in particular in mind for our next outing?” Levi asked.

“That ice-cream shop on the edge of town looked enticing.”

“It is good.” Levi looked up to see Martino approaching. “Let’s continue this conversation inside.”

Levi climbed out of the car, and Martino opened Cassie’s door for her.

“I understand there was some excitement in town.” Martino offered Cassie a hand.

“A little more than we expected.” Cassie let Martino help her stand.

Levi popped the trunk. “The painting is back here.”