Princess in Peril

by Rachelle Mccalla

  “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 committ
ed 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.”

  EIGHT

  Isabelle 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.