Princess in Peril (10 page)

“There is nothing, Your Majesty. The laws of Lydian succession are very clear. Once the crown passes from a sovereign
ruler, it cannot be returned. It can only be passed along to another.”

Levi was aware of the many pairs of eyes watching them carefully. The chamber was full, but no one made a sound, as all those assembled
strained to hear the unfolding conversation.

“I would like to give my father more time. I believe he is likely still alive.”

Gloria cast a grave look. “The fact that he has not made his whereabouts known does not sit well with Parliament. Almost two days have passed since the attack. I understand that the circumstances are grave and an attempt was made on his life. But he has a duty to rule
his people. If he cannot fulfill that duty, Parliament has the right to name his successor.”

“But I’m not ready to—”

“It isn’t up to you.” Gloria placed one hand on Isabelle’s arm and dropped her voice. Levi had to lean in closely to hear her next words.

“There has been a request that the order of succession be revisited.”

It took Levi a moment to grasp the meaning of the prime minister’s
words.

Isabelle looked stunned. “What? The rest of the royal family is absent. I’m next in line to the throne, the only member of the royal family—”

Gloria squeezed Isabelle’s arm. “King Philip’s grandfather, Alexander the third, had an older brother, Basil.”

“Basil abdicated. He ran off to America with a Greek actress and died four years later.”

“Basil had a daughter.”

Levi could see a vein
pulsing furiously in Isabelle’s throat.
He could hardly believe what he was hearing. It had to be a thousand times more difficult for Isabelle.

Though Gloria’s expression was sympathetic, she didn’t hesitate to press on. “Milo,” she addressed the parliamentary clerk, “could you read to us the relevant passage from the Articles of Succession?”

Isabelle wavered slightly. Though he had been standing
by quietly less than an arm’s length from her, Levi took a step closer and placed a steadying hand at Isabelle’s back. He wished he could do more to support her, but all of Parliament was watching intently, and he knew he had to look bad enough with the cuts and bruises on his face.

Milo stood at a large open book that rested on a raised podium near the front of the chamber. He cleared his throat.
“The line of ascension is restricted to the natural legitimate descendents of Lydia, founder of the first church of Lydia, founding mother the kingdom of Lydia and servant of God. Primacy follows to the eldest natural legitimate descendent of the eldest natural legitimate descendent of most direct relation to our founding mother Lydia, the primogenitor of the Lydian line, without regard to gender,
providing the heir is a willing ruler and individual of regarded faith.”

When he had finished reading, Milo looked up at the assembly and pushed his glasses higher on his nose.

Levi could feel Isabelle trembling, but she kept her voice strong as she spoke. “Who, then? Who is next in line to the throne?”

Movement near the side of the crowded room drew Levi’s attention, and he turned in time
to see Stephanos Valli step out from a cluster of members of Parliament.

Though he wished he could cover Isabelle’s eyes and ears and whisk her off before she could hear what Gloria was
about to say, there was nothing Levi could do but stand firm and pray.

Gloria Emini took a step back from the princess and gestured with her arm to Stephanos Valli as he joined their circle.

The prime minister
cleared her throat. “There is an older natural legitimate descendent than you, Isabelle. Basil of Lydia has a grandson. Stephanos Valli.”

I
sabelle wanted to scream. For a moment she thought she might faint, but Levi’s hand supported her back and kept her upright. She struggled to find her voice, more than aware that the members of Parliament were watching her and fully cognizant of their pivotal role in crowning the next ruler of Lydia.

“Stephanos Valli is not a citizen of Lydia.” She wished her voice was stronger.

Milo
cleared his throat from the podium. “He can become a citizen. He’s lived in the country long enough to become a citizen right now. There is no requirement that the ruler be born a citizen.”

“I see.” Much as Isabelle wanted to protest that there ought to be such a requirement, the last thing she needed was to be found in contempt of the Articles of Succession. Knowing it was expected, she finally
let her eyes fall from Milo the parliamentary clerk to Stephanos Valli, who stood smugly beside the prime minister, his beady eyes glittering.

“I, too, was shocked by this discovery.” Valli’s teeth glinted unnaturally white as he spoke. “But I have always followed the laws of Lydia during my many years of faithful service to this nation. Your father is obviously unable or unwilling
to rule. Lydia
needs a king. And if the law requires me to be king, who am I to refuse it?”

Isabelle had never been a violent person, but she was sorely tempted to slap the man for his ugly insinuations in front of Parliament. Not only was he clearly behind the attack, but now she understood his motive: to rid Lydia of anyone with a claim to the throne so the way would be clear for his succession. Her father,
King Philip, was about six years older than Valli. As long as Philip was alive, Valli had no claim to the throne. What had Valli done to her father?

The man who’d tried to have her entire family murdered now extended his hand toward her.

To refuse it in front of Parliament would only turn people against her and win sympathy for Valli. No doubt that was part of why he offered it.

Poise and grace
had been instilled in her since birth. She placed her hand in his.

He raised it to his lips.

She just managed not to cringe, leaning back against Levi’s supportive hand at her back and reminding herself that she had to make nice to Valli if she intended to gather evidence against him—evidence that could save her family.

“My dear princess,” Valli continued, still holding her hand. “I know you
have been through a great deal. If I may, I’d like to invite you to stay at my residence behind the Embassy. There are many aspects of the current situation I would like to discuss with you.”

Why didn’t he want her staying in her own room at the palace? Isabelle stole a glance at Levi, and he raised one eyebrow slightly as though encouraging her.

She quickly realized what he was getting at.
Though she would have preferred the comfort of her own room, Valli’s invitation was ideal. She needed evidence against him. That was far more likely to be found at his residence, not hers.

“Thank you for your kind invitation,” she nodded agreeably and was relieved when Valli finally dropped her hand. “I’m sure we have much to discuss.” She turned to the prime minister. “How does Parliament wish
to proceed?”

“We don’t wish to rush into anything,” Gloria Emini explained, “but at the same time, we feel a certain urgency to have an installed ruler, especially given the current turmoil. Lydia is in a state of unrest and cannot move beyond that state until the rightful ruler has been crowned.”

“I understand,” Isabelle murmured.

Gloria continued. “Please, meet with the ambassador. Discuss
everything you need to. My office will contact you both in the morning.”

Valli’s smile broadened. “Shall we, then? I’ll meet you at the Embassy shortly. You still have the car I sent for you?”

“Yes. And thank you.” Isabelle didn’t want to appear ungracious. She nodded at the prime minister and the clerk before exiting down the aisle as quickly as she appropriately could. The soldiers followed
her to the limo.

As soon as Levi was seated next to her, she pressed her lips to his ear.

“I’d be surprised if this car isn’t bugged.”

“I agree.” Levi spoke in a voice that was hardly more than a breath. “You did a fabulous job in there. I was ready to slug Valli.”

Isabelle almost laughed with relief at his admission. “Thank you.” She leaned against his shoulder as she spoke, as much for the
comfort it offered as by necessity to keep from being overheard by any devices Valli might have planted. A shudder ran up her spine just thinking about the disastrous meeting. “Thank you for everything. I don’t know if I could have done that alone.”

“You’re strong,” Levi assured her, wrapping one arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer to him. His words,
whispered in her ear, were little
more than a breath. “Everything is playing out well. Once we’re inside Valli’s residence, maybe we’ll find something.”

Isabelle pressed her eyes closed as she leaned close to Levi’s ear. “But why? Aren’t you suspicious? I don’t doubt he’ll have that place bugged, too. I’m bracing myself. What is he after?”

“All of Parliament knows you’re staying with him. If anything happens to you at this point
he’ll be immediately suspect. He can’t risk that at this stage. He’s too close to getting what he wants.” Levi’s strong arm tightened around her, the last of his words raising to an audible level, as though Levi wanted to remind Valli or whoever might be listening to their conversation just exactly what they stood to lose if they tried anything against Isabelle.

They were nearing the Embassy.
Isabelle let her head rest on Levi’s shoulder a moment longer, basking in the comfort of his closeness. Too much had happened too quickly, and she feared everything was only going to get worse.

Entering Valli’s lair was like entering a hornet’s nest. Isabelle had no doubt she was still in danger, no matter what reassurances she’d been given. If Valli had indeed been behind the attacks on her
family, no doubt her survival posed a terrible problem to his plans. If she’d died like he’d wanted her to, he’d likely have been crowned king already.

The car came to a stop under the carport that extended from the portico of the ambassador’s residence, which was technically attached to the chancery, though the Embassy and Valli’s residence were separate addresses. The same six soldiers who’d
accompanied them since the airport stepped out of the SUV behind them and escorted them inside.

Valli had arrived just ahead of them, and greeted them. “I’m sure you’d appreciate a moment to settle in.” He gestured to an attractive young woman in black slacks and a
white blouse. “Calista will show you to your suite. And we have a room in the servants’ quarters for your guard.”

“My guard will
stay with me,” Isabelle said firmly. She forced a small smile to her lips. “Otherwise what is the point of having a guard?”

“The Embassy compound has impeccable security.”

“I’m not concerned about threats from without,” Isabelle didn’t mince her words. Parliament was no longer watching, and she’d put up with enough from Valli already.

“As you wish,” the ambassador’s smile disappeared. “I’ve
planned a late lunch. If you’ll join me in twenty minutes, Calista can wait at your door to show you the way to the dining room.”

“Thank you.”

Isabelle and Levi trailed Calista up the stairs two flights and then down the hall. When they reached their guest suite, Isabelle dismissed the girl with a sympathetic smile. It wasn’t Calista’s fault she worked for such slime.

“I can find my own way
to the dining room,” she assured the girl. “I’ve been here before.”

“Twenty minutes,” Calista reminded them before hurrying off.

Isabelle and Levi quietly scoped out the suite. As she’d hoped, there were two bedrooms at opposite ends, each with their own bathroom, and a large living area between, complete with corner kitchenette and fireplace. Everything was decorated in a regal manner with
tasteful appointments.

“I’ll be right out.” Isabelle excused herself to the bathroom. When she emerged a few minutes later, she found Levi sitting on one of two wood-inlaid white leather sofas that sat facing one another across a marble coffee table.

A few days before, she might have chosen a seat on the opposite sofa. But given the circumstances and the likelihood
that the room was bugged,
Isabelle slumped down on the sofa near him.

“Tired?” he asked in a normal voice.

“I don’t know when I’ve ever been so exhausted.” She didn’t bother to whisper. The revelation would be news to no one. “And my feet are absolutely killing me.” All the running she’d done in inappropriate footwear following the attack had left her feet aching.

Levi surprised her by gently lifting her feet onto his
lap and sliding off the ballet flats she wore before gently strumming her soles with his fingers. “Is that too much pressure?” he asked.

“It’s perfect,” Isabelle shook her head. “But you don’t have to—”

“I’m here for your well-being.” He silenced her. “If Valli was a decent host he’d offer you a spa treatment to relax you after all you’ve been through. Because he is not so thoughtful, this will
have to do.”

Isabelle couldn’t help grinning at the thought that Valli’s bug might have picked up Levi’s comment. And his ministrations toward her feet made her feel infinitely better, too.

She watched his face as his eyes focused on her feet. How did the man manage to look so handsome, even with the bruises and cuts that marred his face? He had a bit of a fat lip on the side nearest her, and
she found herself wanting to kiss his pain away.

Forcing her thoughts from that futile track, she reminded herself that any future romantic encounters with her gorgeous bodyguard were highly unlikely. After all, Samantha had been very clear about Levi’s future plans. He was going to be the president of Sanctuary International if this mission was successful. And she might be Queen of Lydia, or
possibly go back to being a princess, if she was very, very fortunate. Or Valli might have her beheaded.

Whatever her future held, she was quite certain it wouldn’t hold Levi, at least not for very much longer. So the feelings she felt for him weren’t meant to be acted on. Through his kiss at the airport, he’d taught her she was capable of that elusive romantic love that she’d wanted so much
to find during her ill-fated engagement. For that, she would be forever indebted to him.

Besides, she realized as she looked at the clock on the mantel, they were expected in the dining room momentarily. “I suppose we should head downstairs in a few minutes.”

Levi gently lowered her feet to the floor, then silently retreated to the kitchenette and washed his hands. Deciding she might as well
wash up again, Isabelle joined him. Instead of handing her the sumptuous towel to dry her hands, however, he dried her hands for her, then took her hands in his.

“Let’s pray,” he mouthed silently.

Knowing they had little time to spare, Isabelle bent her forehead to rest against his. His prayers were more silent than a sigh, and she felt as though she understood him on a deeper level than mere
words could communicate. She realized that when all was over and he was gone, she would miss the way they’d prayed silently together. It was something she’d never experienced before, but she’d found it to be marvelously sustaining when all she wanted to do was roll into a ball and cry.

She might have still been tempted to cry, but knowing what was ahead of her, she held her tears back. They were
both up against insurmountable odds. At any moment the enemies surrounding them might turn on them and take their lives.

As Levi prayed, Isabelle felt her doubts fly away. Whatever was about to happen, God was with them. What had the verses for the Sanctuary pass code promised? “‘I will give you back the land,’” Isabelle quoted softly.

Levi met her eyes as he whispered
Amen.
“Is there anything
more I can do for you?” His expression was focused and sincere.

Instantly Isabelle recalled their kiss, but she shoved away the thought as she shook her head no. Levi had done so much to support her during this awful ordeal. She wasn’t about to demand of him anything more.

“We’d best get going,” she said aloud. Encouraged by their prayers, she headed for the door with Levi directly behind her,
to face whatever Stephanos Valli had in store for them.

Levi’s stomach churned. Nothing about the situation felt right. They were outnumbered in enemy territory, and though backup was only a phone call away, there was no telling what Valli might achieve before Levi’s brother, Joe, and his team could arrive. Their principle defense was their vulnerability, and that was thin armor at best.

Sticking
just behind Isabelle’s right elbow, Levi followed her down the stairs, half certain the chime of the grandfather clock in the foyer below was ringing out their death knell.

As they approached the open double French doors that led to the sumptuously laid table from which delectable Mediterranean scents wafted, Levi noted the two soldiers standing at attention on either side of the doorway. Levi
recognized the man on the right as Sergio Cana, Alexander’s friend who’d warned them away the first time they’d entered the Embassy.

Once again, Levi wondered what role the soldier was playing. Had he honestly gotten away with what he’d done? Or was he one of Valli’s inside men? Could he be trusted?

As the princess crossed through the doorway, Levi slowed his steps, brushing near to Sergio.
In that instant, the soldier’s hand flicked out and nabbed his sleeve.

Levi’s eyes darted toward him, though he hardly turned his head.

Sergio stood frozen but his eyes gestured away from the room.

At that moment, Levi understood. He wasn’t invited to the dinner.

He took a step back and waited beside Sergio, watching intently as Isabelle was seated. For a moment she looked a little lost as
she appeared to realize he was no longer beside her, but when she looked back, a relieved smile spread across her face.

Levi couldn’t help smiling a little in return.