“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

“Why me? I’m supposed to be on a plane in two days.”

“I know,” Janessa said. “I also know you don’t want to leave.”

Levi didn’t contradict her statement.

“You know I tried to convince Director Palmer to extend your assignment here,” Janessa said, referring to the CIA director.

“I know.” Levi nodded, an unspoken sign of his appreciation. “With the US naval base fully staffed, I’m not needed here anymore.”

“But you are needed,” Janessa countered. “You know tensions have been high between Sereno and Meridia since the agreement finalized on the naval base. You can help bridge that gap.”

“You’re going to have an American protect a princess who doesn’t like Americans? I’m not following your logic.”

“First of all, she doesn’t know you’re American,” Janessa said. “You speak Italian like a native. If you don’t tell her any differently, she’ll assume you’re Meridian.”

“And second?” Levi asked.

“Belinda is back at headquarters.”

The flash of memory erupted in the form of flames exploding through shattered windows. “How did you . . . ?”

“She’s still a friend.” Janessa let out a small sigh. “She also hasn’t changed. She can’t see the whole picture of what happened that night. She doesn’t want to see it.”

“I know.” Levi shook away the memories of the one time he had tried to give her the truth.

“There’s one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“The two hit men who were killed last night—” Janessa paused and lowered her voice even though they were alone. “They were American.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Both former military.”

“You think someone hired them to feed the hostilities between Sereno and the US?”

“That’s my guess,” Janessa said. “So what do you think? Are you willing to spend a bit more time rubbing shoulders with royals?”

Recognizing Janessa’s attempt to lighten the mood, he shrugged. “I don’t know. Princesses can be such royal pains.”

“Yeah. We try.” Janessa motioned to the chateau. “Come on. Let’s get some breakfast, and we can talk about Princess Cassandra’s living arrangements.”

“Shouldn’t we talk to Director Palmer before we move forward?”

“I already did.”

Levi simply shook his head. “Of course you did.”

“Did I mention that Patrice made your favorite blueberry scones this morning?”

“What did that cost you?”

“Not a thing.” She smiled sweetly. “Sometimes being royal has its advantages.”

“So it seems.”

* * *

Cassie stared out the window of the private yacht, the spray of water rising into view as the vessel cut through the waves. The rhythm of the sea and the faint rumble of the yacht’s engines should have soothed her, but the memories of last night wouldn’t stop playing over and over in her head. Someone had tried to kill her. Someone had nearly succeeded.

The guards who had protected her had survived the night, though one of them was still in critical condition. Two men suffered because of her, three guards had died, and she didn’t even know their names.