CHAPTER 20

Cassie had hardly slept. Thoughts of returning home consumed her, along with what might happen when she dared face the dangers that would accompany that action.

She had managed to doze for a few hours, the result of sheer mental exhaustion, but three o’clock came around and her mind had decided rest was no longer an option. By four, she gave up on trying to get back to sleep.

She showered and dressed for the day, opting for casual wear that would allow her to maintain the appearance of a commoner. Her instinct was to sit down in her makeshift office and work, if only to create her own list of suspects, but when she looked out her window and saw the fingers of light on the horizon, a new plan emerged.

She unearthed a pen and notebook from her briefcase, slipped on her shoes, and left her room. The chateau was quiet when she descended the stairs and passed through the main parlor. She took a moment to look outside to make sure she was alone before she opened the door. Alone. What a concept. She could count on one hand how many times in the past few months she had been granted that privilege outside of her private quarters.

Cassie glanced at the gardens. She was tempted to find a quiet bench to enjoy the early-morning hour, but when she took in the spectacular view before her, she opted to sit at the small table on the terrace. From her elevated view, the gardens provided a backdrop of color, light shining through the leaves, dew glistening. The first rays of light caught on the waves, the horizon aglow in pink and purple.

She settled into a chair and stared at the natural beauty. Something like peace washed over her. For the first time since her ordeal began, she contemplated how abnormal her life truly had become. Ironically, her time with Levi gave her a sense of normalcy she had always craved and had never understood.

A door opened, and it wasn’t until Janessa spoke that Cassie’s brain registered she was no longer alone.

“Good morning,” Janessa said.

“Good morning.”

Cassie noticed Janessa’s hesitation, as though the American wasn’t sure if she should leave Cassie alone or join her. Cassie waved at the seat beside her. “Please, sit down. I was enjoying the stunning view.”

“I love the mornings here.” Janessa took the seat across from Cassie, both women’s chairs angled toward the horizon.

“I can see why.” Cassie glanced at her watch. 5:55 a.m. Remembering that the American was also now a princess, she asked, “Are you always an early riser, or do you have duties getting you up this morning?”

“Both,” Janessa said. “I think the hardest part of being a royal is the evening engagements that always seem to stretch out far too long.”

“I know what you mean. It completely messes with your sleep schedule.”

“That it does.” Janessa’s posture relaxed slightly. “What do you have planned for today?”