Princess in Peril (9 page)

“I’ll be right there.” Levi stood on shaking legs and tried not to pass out. He had a bathroom with a shower off his office and a selection of clothes there. Other than his old room at his parents’ house, it was the closest thing to a home he had. It was all
the home he’d needed since he’d finished law school and spent all his time working.

He slumped against the railing in the elevator and made it to his office without passing out. Catching a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror, he cringed. His face was a patchwork of cuts and bruises, and blood continued to seep from the butterfly bandage Isabelle had stuck to his eyebrow.

Turning away from
the mirror, he cleaned off and changed clothes. Despite of his best efforts, he arrived at the conference room twenty-three minutes after his father had left him. He was three minutes late—a fact his father would undoubtedly take note of and not forget.

“We’ve pulled up the file on Stephanos Valli.” Nicolas shot Levi a look as he entered, communicating with certainty that he was aware of every
second they’d waited. “He was born Steven Valli in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania, in 1953. His maternal grandfather had immigrated to the United States from Lydia, and his grandmother was of Greek descent. A perfect fit for the Lydian ambassador, between his Ivy League
education and his pedigree. He even changed his name to Stephanos when he was appointed ambassador to Lydia to make himself more relatable
to the Lydian people. So what makes you think he’s in league with the insurgents? What would he possibly have to gain when he clearly would have so much to lose?”

“I tried to take Isabelle to Valli after the ambush.” Levi placed both hands on the conference table, as much to prop himself upright as to make eye contact with his father across the table. He realized much of his negative impression
of Valli was based on Isabelle’s repugnance toward the man. But they had facts on their side, too. “When we entered the Embassy there were Lydian soldiers standing guard. Two of them tried to take our weapons. A third, whom the princess identified as being a friend of her brother, Alexander, made a statement that Isabelle felt was intended to warn us away from Valli.”

“What did the soldier say?”

Levi did his best to quote the man verbatim. “He said, ‘Oh good, you’ve captured the princess. Valli will be so pleased.’”

“Captured?”
Nicolas Grenaldo breathed the word with incredulity in his tone. “Why would Valli want to capture the princess?”

“Why would anyone want to destroy the royal family?” Levi met his father’s eyes. “The nation of Lydia is a small, peaceable country with little economic
impact and no known enemies. What would anyone have to gain?”

The sound of a throat clearing behind him sent Levi spinning around.

Isabelle entered the room. She wore khaki slacks and a simple navy button-down blouse, and her still-damp hair hung in drying curls down her back.

The sight of her took Levi’s breath away. “Your Majesty.” His throat was suddenly dry.

The princess must have heard
the last of their conversation because she jumped right in. “Stephanos Valli has tried to manipulate my family for his own benefit before. He convinced my father to initiate a marriage contract between me and Greek businessman Tyrone Spiteri. When that agreement ended, Valli made it very clear where his allegiances lay.”

Nicolas nodded. “Valli criticized the royal family for ending the engagement.”

“Yes.” A touch of color rose to Isabelle’s cheeks. “He publically maligned me and tried to undermine the authority of my father’s rule. Were it not for my father’s affection for the United States and his connection to this country through my mother, he would have had Valli removed from Lydia.”

The Sanctuary president absorbed the information. “We don’t know why the royal family was ambushed.
No one has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the attacks. It’s possible Valli might be involved.” His silvery eyes roved the room. “But you said
Lydian
soldiers were guarding the Embassy. The king is the head of the army. Who told them to capture the princess?”

Isabelle shook her head thoughtfully. “Three generals serve under my father. I am on familiar terms with David Bardici, Corban
Lucca and Marc Petrela. I hate to think they would conspire against the royal family.”

“I hate to think anyone would do this,” Nicolas Grenaldo commiserated, “but someone did, and your generals have done nothing to stop it. Corban Lucca was in the motorcade at the time of the ambush. He has not been heard from since. We’ve been in contact with Bardici and Petrela, but neither of them have said
anything to indicate any animosity toward the crown or involvement with the insurgents.”

“Someone has to be working with Valli.” Levi wouldn’t let them lose sight of the facts. “Host country officials are not allowed to enter a representing country’s embassy without
permission. Yet those Lydian soldiers appeared to be stationed there and answering to Valli. That tells us there is a conspiracy
at work here, and Valli
must
be in on it.”

Isabelle nodded her agreement. “What about the prime minister? Have you been in contact with Gloria Emini?”

“Prime Minister Emini has Parliament at the ready to host a special session as soon as need arises, but she cannot hold an official session without the consent of the ruling sovereign.” Nicolas gave Isabelle a pointed look. “Her biggest concern
is locating the Head of State or, in the king’s absence, crowning a successor.”

Isabelle’s face blanched noticeably.

Levi understood what his father was getting at, and no doubt Isabelle did, as well. But for the sake of everyone else in the room, he noted, “Once the crown has passed from King Philip, he will have no further legal claim to the throne. He cannot reclaim the crown.”

“My father
and mother had four children.” Isabelle’s voice filled with emotion as she spoke. “My oldest brother, Thaddeus, who should have been the heir, disappeared six years ago and was presumed murdered. My brother Alexander is the second child and heir apparent. I am next in line to the throne following Alexander, and my sister, Anastasia, is after me.”

Nicolas Grenaldo’s deep voice carried clearly
in spite of the gentle tone he used. “Regardless of who may technically come before you, Isabelle, you are the only one we know to have escaped the attack. You are the only person who can reclaim the crown on behalf of the royal house of Lydia.”

“I can’t.” Isabelle shook her head. “I can’t claim the crown, not while there’s still a possibility that my father may be alive.”

“You may not have
a choice,” Nicolas said firmly.

“I may not have the option,” Isabelle protested. “I fled the country to save my life. Is it safe for me to return?”

“We can make it safe.”

“How?” Levi demanded his father explain. “We don’t even know what we’re up against. We don’t know who our enemies are.”

“Perhaps we need to flush them out,” Isabelle murmured, almost to herself.

“What about the UN?” Samantha
Klein asked, stepping out from behind Isabelle’s shadow. “Can’t they protect Isabelle? Why haven’t they done anything to intervene?”

Levi barely had to raise his head to answer. “Did the UN intervene when John F. Kennedy was assassinated? Did the UN step in when the President of Poland and dozens of other Polish leaders were killed in a plane crash? No. Because their governments had rules of
succession in place for just such an eventuality. What is the current situation in Lydia?” Levi addressed his father. “Is the military having any trouble keeping the peace?”

Nicolas looked solemn. “Other than the piles of flowers being placed at the gates of the royal palace, little has changed. The military is keeping the peace. Government bodies—the postal service, police, airport authority—are
all operating on faith that the situation will be peaceably resolved. But how long they can remain operating in a state of anarchy is anybody’s guess.”

“I don’t believe there is a state of anarchy. Someone is calling the shots,” Isabelle insisted. “Someone has committed a crime against my family—and they’re still committing it as long as they remain at large.”

“We don’t know who,” Nicolas acknowledged.
“Perhaps we should send in a team to investigate Valli, to find out who he’s working with and who is behind the attacks.” He looked around the room.

The men who had been standing silent for so long now looked down and away. Their response didn’t bother Levi. Without Lydian connections he couldn’t imagine any of them making inroads—certainly not as quickly as they needed them made. Levi supported
his father’s plan. “If we can bring evidence before the UN Security Council that an act of aggression has been committed, that the current situation presents a threat to the peace, then the United Nations could be compelled to intervene. All we need is proof. We need someone on the inside. Someone who can get an audience with Valli and the generals.”

“I’ll go.” Princess Isabelle spoke without
the slightest hint of hesitation in her voice.

Levi opened his mouth to protest. Only the day before she’d trembled with fear at the thought of facing Valli again. “Isa—”

“My family may be alive somewhere.” She cut him off before he could say her name. “If they are, I have no doubt they face grave danger. Every minute the insurgents remain in power increases the odds that my family members may
be captured or killed. The only thing I can do to help them is to learn who was behind the attacks and bring that party to justice. We must act quickly. The lives of my parents and siblings are hanging in the balance.”

Levi watched the princess with pride and growing affection. He knew her fear of Valli was strong, but love for her family was stronger.

Nicolas Grenaldo nodded solemnly. “You
will not go alone. We can assemble a team to provide backup for you. And I will send my son as your coagent.”

“Levi and I have learned to work well together.”

“I’m sorry.” Nicolas cleared his throat. “Not that son. Levi was only marginally successful in bringing you to safety. And he’s injured. The boy can hardly stand up on his own.
My son Joe has just returned from another mission. He can
go with you.”

To Levi’s surprise, Isabelle stepped closer to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Do you feel up to another mission?”

He smiled at her beautiful face in spite of himself. If he turned down this mission and let Joe take the credit for whatever might be accomplished, then Joe would be the next Sanctuary president. And Joe would be the one spending time with Isabelle.

But then again, maybe Joe was the better man for the job. Joe had more experience. And Joe could stand up on his own. Levi knew that if their mission failed because of his injuries or lack of experience, he’d never forgive himself. “My greatest concern is for your safety,” he began.

“I trust you,” she said softly.

Levi swallowed, a sick dread swirling in his stomach. He had the trust of the princess.
But did he deserve that trust? Was he strong enough to keep her safe?

“Fine.” His father circled around the table. “I want you two on the next flight to Lydia. I’ll contact Prime Minister Emini and let her know you’re on your way. We’ll take in a separate team for backup, but I won’t tell Emini, Valli or any of the generals about them. They will be waiting just out of sight to protect you if
need be and to get you out of there if you get in over your heads. I won’t have a repeat of your last adventure.”

Isabelle didn’t hesitate but turned to face Nicolas. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness. What’s our cover?”

The Sanctuary president smiled. “You’re the princess. He’s your bodyguard. Unless your father or older brother steps forward,
you
are the heir to the Lydian throne. And I believe
Lydia’s laws stipulate that Parliament controls the coronation.”

Isabelle appeared to take a moment absorbing the situation. Then she asked, “What about Valli?”

When everyone looked uncertain, one of the men who’d entered with Nicolas spoke up. “Should we request his cooperation? If the reason for your return is to investigate Valli, you’ll need to get close to him.”

“He’s right.” Nicolas nodded.

Isabelle still looked hesitant. “But can he be trusted?”

Levi let go of the table and placed a hand on Isabelle’s arm, and if he leaned on her somewhat, she didn’t seem to mind. “If the whole world knows you’re under Valli’s care, he’ll know better than to hurt you. And if you feel you’re in danger again, you won’t have to rely on me to get you out of the country this time. We’ll have a backup
team at the ready. And we’ll hold a press conference before you leave the United States. The whole world will know where you are, and they’ll be watching.”

The trust and determination that simmered in Isabelle’s eyes sent Levi’s stomach rocking. Or perhaps it was just the effort from standing up. Either way, a sick feeling crept up from his gut. He’d do his best to keep Isabelle safe and return
the throne to her family. But would his best be enough?

“Then it’s settled.” Nicolas nodded with authority. “Isabelle, Samantha will get you everything you need. We can get you back home by the time the sun rises in Lydia.”

Levi gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile, then watched as Isabelle followed Samantha from the room. What had he just agreed to do? They were heading right back
into the troubled world they’d worked so hard to escape. And he was in a lot worse shape now than he had been when they’d started out the last time.

“Lord, help us,” he prayed quietly as everyone else left the room. “We’re going to need a miracle. Possibly several miracles.”

I
sabelle felt grateful for all of Samantha’s help packing. The woman was full of insights into Sanctuary’s methods. She also seemed to know a fair bit about Levi.

“I wonder if Levi is up to this mission,” Isabelle worried aloud. Although she hoped Nicolas had only been exaggerating, it had seemed as though Levi was hardly strong enough to stand up on his own. He’d certainly leaned heavily
on her arm.

Samantha clucked her tongue. “Levi has no choice but to make sure this mission is successful.”

“What do you mean?” Isabelle felt grateful for the supplies Sanctuary was providing for her trip. She made a mental note to pay them back when she was restored to her rightful role.

Assuming her family ever regained the throne.

“Levi’s father is retiring next year. He’ll appoint one of
his sons as president after him. Everyone knows he favors Joe, even though Levi is older.”

“Joe,” Isabelle repeated the name. “That’s the son he offered to send with me.”

“Joe has more experience with military operations. He’s a hero. Levi’s just—” Samantha laughed “—a lawyer.” She made a face as though the idea of Levi saving anyone was a ridiculous notion. “If I were you, I’d ask to have Joe
accompany you, not Levi. I mean, the guy could hardly stand up.”

Isabelle inhaled a sharp breath. Was she crazy to depend on Levi? But she knew she could trust him—and she hadn’t been kidding when she had said they’d learned to work with one another. If Joe accompanied her, she’d have to adjust to working with him.

But Joe was apparently the more skilled operative.

And he could stand up on
his own.

Sitting down in the nearest chair, Isabelle mulled over her options. If she was honest with herself, she had to admit she wanted Levi to go with her because of the way she felt about him. It was more than a simple matter of trust. Her whole world had been rocked on its side and her family ripped away from her.

And she was about to face the man who’d engineered her failed engagement.
The man who was quite possibly in league with whoever had tried to murder her family.

More than a skilled operative, she needed someone to support her. Someone who could make her feel strong, who could reach out in the darkness and wipe away her tears.

She needed Levi.

Standing and continuing to pack, Isabelle told Samantha resolutely, “That’s okay. I’ll stick with the Grenaldo brother I know.”

And then she tried to assure herself that she hadn’t made a fatal mistake.

Levi was relieved to learn Sanctuary had arranged to hold Isabelle’s press conference in one of the chapels at JFK airport. That would give them the opportunity to announce her survival to the world and then leave, providing a minimal window for the insurgents to reach her. He could only pray they weren’t making a horrible
mistake by making her whereabouts known.

He could tell Isabelle was nervous about the press conference
also. They arrived well ahead of their scheduled announcement, and the chaplain ushered them into a small alcove to wait out of sight until it was time to make their announcement.

It wasn’t until the chaplain had left and shut the door after them that Levi realized just how small the space
really was. Isabelle stood next to him and had to look up to meet his eyes. He would have invited someone else to join them, but there really wasn’t room for another person.

“It will be all right.”

She gave him a small smile in return for his assurances. “I’m trying to trust God for that.”

“Would you like to pray?”

Relief flooded her features and she placed her hands in his. “That would be
the best thing.”

Levi tried to think. “I’m sorry. My tired mind is having trouble formulating words.”

“Mine, too.” Isabelle sighed and closed the two inches that remained between them, resting her cheek against his upper arm. “But I believe God hears our prayers even when the things we pray for are too difficult to put into words.”

“Then let’s pray in silence.”

Isabelle didn’t respond. Levi
could only assume she was already lost in prayer. Turning his own heart toward God, he focused on remembering all God’s promises in scripture, even the promise of the passage from Ezekiel that Sanctuary claimed in its mission statement. “I will give you back the land,” he murmured.

“I was just thinking that,” Isabelle looked up at him.

Her brown eyes were warm under their thick lashes, and for
a moment all Levi could think about was the kiss they’d shared earlier that day. It would be so easy to close the last few inches between them and kiss her again. So easy and yet so far beyond what he’d been called on to do.

When his father opened the door a moment later, Levi was infinitely glad he’d chosen not to kiss the princess. As it was, Nicolas Grenaldo raised an eyebrow at the way Isabelle
was wrapped neatly in his arms.

Levi made no apology but stepped out of the room and away from Isabelle as she accompanied his father toward the lectern. Her hair was back up in its trademark high-piled arrangement, and she wore a simple pantsuit that looked elegant and professional.

The gathering of reporters was small enough to suit Levi. He didn’t want a throng. Far from it. The news stations
could share footage all they wanted once Isabelle was in the air. For her safety, he didn’t want to have to deal with any more people than was absolutely necessary.

His father made the announcement—that Isabelle was alive and returning to Lydia to sort out what had happened there and try to determine if any of her family members had survived. When the inevitable deluge of questions for Isabelle
began, Nicolas Grenaldo raised his hand.

“Her Majesty has endured a horrible ordeal. Your prayers and support are far more necessary than answers at this point. She will share more with you when she has more to share.”

That silenced them.

Isabelle leaned toward the microphone. “I appreciate your concern. Please pray for the well-being of my family.”

Thankfully, rather than another barrage
of questions, a few considerate reporters clapped and the rest quickly did the same, showing Isabelle their support.

She took a step back, and Levi was immediately at her side.

“Ready?” he asked.

Her nod was slight, her royal smile still aimed at the reporters, but her words were clear enough. “Let’s go.”

Sleeping on the flight back to Lydia was more difficult this time, perhaps because her
fears outweighed her exhaustion. Isabelle struggled to find a comfortable position in the tiny window seat.

“Worried?” Levi asked softly.

Isabelle had hoped he was sleeping. It would have been nice for one of them to be well-rested, at least. “I have a lot to worry about.”

“You don’t have to face Valli.” Levi’s expression was frank.

“I know.” Isabelle studied his face, from the cuts that appeared
to be starting to heal, to the bruises that were even uglier now. “But the world knows I’m alive now. They know I’m going to be in Lydia. If Valli tries anything, he’ll only draw attention to himself. There are too many eyes on Lydia right now for him to risk harming me under the circumstances.”

“He might yet find a way.”

She mustered up a smile. “That’s what you’re coming along for.”

They
fell into a somber silence, broken several minutes later by Levi. “Is this going to be too difficult for you?”

“I—I don’t suppose—”

“What I guess I’m asking is—can I do anything to help? I mean, besides trying my best to protect you.”

Isabelle’s thoughts flew to the kiss they’d shared at the airport. But as her cheeks warmed with a deep blush, she realized that wasn’t what he meant.

Levi must
have sensed her discomfort. “Are there particular people or situations you wish to avoid? You mentioned not wanting to see Valli. Obviously that’s unavoidable at this point, and I suppose your ex-fiancé won’t be around—”

“I should hope not.”

“And the scene of the—” He cleared his throat. “I’m sure you’ll want to avoid … “

“Oh, that.” If possible, Isabelle felt her blush deepen. “No, Tyrone’s
attack on me didn’t take place in Lydia. We were in upstate New York, actually, at a place he owns in the Adirondacks. There’s a riding stable near there, and it was such a peaceful place. I was just finishing college at Dartmouth, so it was only a two-hour drive away. I’d hoped to get to know him better. I had sensed for some time that something was wrong.” She frowned, realizing she’d spoken more
to Levi about that painful time than she’d shared with anyone in the two years since.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s in the past. I got through that, and I suppose I’ll get through this, too, with God’s help. God has never let our family lose the nation of Lydia, not in almost two millennia. They’ve fallen back and lost territory and even gone into hiding before, but as long as the nation of Lydia has existed
to bring glory to God, the Royal House of Lydia has never been snuffed out. And I pray we never will be.”

Levi extended his hand toward her. “Would you like to pray?”

His offer was far too welcome to pass up, even if she wasn’t sure how she’d react to holding his hand again. Their prayers in the alcove off the chapel earlier had been a great comfort to her, as had his close presence supporting
her. She slipped her hands into his. The burns he’d sustained had finally been treated and were healing nicely, not that he’d ever let them slow him down.

“I’d like that.” She dipped her forehead near to his. This time the words came in whispers, in starts and stops, with
Levi filling in requests for strength and protection, but she was finally able to give all her fears to God.

Levi was infinitely
glad that Isabelle had managed to fall sleep. Their prayer time appeared to have eased her fears. He was grateful for that. Their mission was precarious enough without the added distraction of fear.

Though he’d hoped their arrival would be smooth, he saw immediately upon landing in the Lydian airport in Sardis that they wouldn’t be that fortunate. News crews from stations around the world were
clustered on the tarmac.

Isabelle met his eyes. “So much for staying off their radar.”

Half a dozen soldiers made their way through the news crews.

“The second one.” Levi pointed through the plane window. “Isn’t that—”

“Sergio Cana, my brother’s friend. The one who warned us at the Embassy.”

Levi felt a moment’s relief that the soldier hadn’t been removed from his position. Then he wondered
why not. Had he struck a deal with the insurgents to avoid a stiff punishment? “I’m still not sure we can trust him,” Levi warned Isabelle as they prepared to disembark.

“I agree.”

They descended the steps of the plane, and the next several minutes were a blur. Reporters shoved microphones at them, and Isabelle did an excellent job of ignoring them until they reached the door to the airport.
But Levi had watched her ears growing redder, and she spun around in the doorway and faced them all.

“Where are all of you when I travel to Africa to dig wells? Where are you when I visit orphanages and hospitals in Third
World countries? Twenty-four thousand children die every day from preventable causes. So why do you care so much about my family?” She gave them all a pleading look before she
turned and hurried inside.

The soldiers led them to a waiting limo.

Isabelle balked at the sight of it.

“It’s not—” he started.

But she shook her head. “All our limousines were destroyed in the attack. This one belongs to the U.S. Embassy.”

“It looks unscathed.”

“All the more reason not to trust Valli.”

Isabelle ducked into the car, and he followed so closely that she no more than sat and
he was seated beside her. She slipped her hand into his.

He wondered if she realized what she’d done. He gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze.

She squeezed back.

“You did a good job handling the media.”

Isabelle blushed. “I shouldn’t stir them up, I know, but they’ve never been on my side. They maligned me so badly when I broke off my engagement to Tyrone.”

“You don’t have to apologize,”
Levi assured her, giving her hand another gentle squeeze. “I thought you handled them very well.”

Isabelle looked away through the window, and Levi got the distinct sense she was finished with the conversation. Had his words upset her? Or did she simply have so much else on her mind?

He felt her tense every time the limo paused, but they arrived at the Hall of Justice, as planned, to meet with
Prime Minister Gloria Emini. Their footsteps echoed through the marble halls as they made their way to the Chamber of Parliamentary Session. Four of the six soldiers went ahead of them
and two behind. When they reached the heavy wood-inlaid doors, the two head soldiers each pulled one open, stepping each to the side so the princess could pass.

Although their meeting was technically only to be
with Prime Minister Emini, Levi saw the semi-circu lar rows of seats were nearly filled.

Isabelle had dropped his hand as they’d left the limo, but she stayed close beside him as they approached the prime minister.

Gloria Emini, an impeccably groomed, slender woman in her late fifties, stepped down from her usual post on the dais and welcomed Isabelle with open arms.

“Your Majesty.” The prime
minister hugged the princess. “It is such a relief to see you alive. Praise the Lord.”

“Praise the Lord,” Isabelle echoed, smiling graciously. “It’s good to see you, too. Now, what do we need to do to allow Parliament to meet? Have you found a contingency to cover our current circumstances?”

Gloria Emini shook her head gravely. “The members of Parliament can, of course, meet unofficially at
any time. But no official business can take place without the authority of the ruling sovereign, save the appointment of a new ruling sovereign.”

Levi watched as Isabelle absorbed the news. He knew she’d been hoping some obscure rule would be uncovered that would state otherwise.

“Is there any way—” Isabelle met Gloria eye-to-eye “—any temporary status I could rule under that would allow my
father to resume his rule if he is found to have survived the attack?”