A PRINCESS IN PERIL

Hidden away for more than fourteen years, Thea James was presumed dead by most—killed in the fire that burned the royal palace. But Ronin Parrish knows the truth…and so does the person who murdered Thea’s father, the king. Ronin takes his new duty as Thea’s bodyguard seriously. After all, she’s the only one who can clear his father of the king’s murder. It doesn’t matter that the princess’s beauty and strength draw him to her. To a commoner like him, she can never be more than a mission. Now he’s in a race to restore the princess to her rightful place on the throne before the unknown killer prematurely ends her reign.

Memories flooded her…

She remembered that voice. Her gaze shot toward the sound, and there he stood. Ronin. His voice had triggered the memories of that fateful night she was almost killed like her father.

“It was your father who rescued me, wasn’t it?”

He nodded as he pulled her close. “It will be okay.”

“That’s what he said. That it would all be all right. And look at us. Does this look okay?” They were trapped in a snowstorm in a strange house in the middle of nowhere.

Ronin wanted to make the memories less painful for her and somehow help her arrange the jumbled pieces.

He should be happy. That was what he wanted after all. For her to remember. She was the only person, other than the true murderer, who could prove his father’s innocence.

“Bringing me home helps clear his name.” She looked into his eyes. “Is that the real reason you saved me? Not for me?”

He was saved from answering as the lights went out.

TAMMY JOHNSON grew up as a preacher’s kid. Her childhood was filled with moving and imaginary friends. She loves writing strong, independent heroines with strength of faith and character and heroes of equal convictions and charisma. She lives in a small Kansas town with her teenage son and dachshund. She enjoys cloud-watching and summer storms. A glass of sweet tea and a new story are never far away.

Royal Rescue

Tammy Johnson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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And I will be a Father unto you, and

ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

—2 Corinthians 6:18

To my children — You were my first dream come true.

Without you, I might never have learned how strong I could be or how much I was capable of loving and being loved.

Tiffany — May you never settle. Someday your prince

will come, until then be your own princess.

Nickolas — Thank you for helping me stay on task with my writing. I will always treasure our nights of writing together.

Mason — I have always admired your passion for life. Always ask the questions. Someday you will find your answers.

Kody — Maybe you can’t be a superhero, but you will always have the heart of a protector. Stay strong and courageous.

No matter where your lives lead, I will always be proud

of each of you and I will always love you.

God — thank You for the words. Thank You for this blessing. Thank You for being Love and showing me a little every day what real Love means.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my amazing editor, Shana Asaro, who believed in me and picked me for her team during the Killer Voices pitch event. I hope this is only the beginning of great things.

Thank you to my brother for the sermon that got me back into writing, and to my sister, mother and family for never giving up on me. Thank you to Kimmi for the monthly phone calls over the years asking if I was writing.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Acknowledgments

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

It was easy to get lost in a crowd. Years of hiding had taught her that.

Thea James had gotten quite good at it, too. Her life had become a montage of staying one step ahead, never remaining in one place very long, keeping people at arm’s length. That was the part she disliked the most—never getting too close.

Two things had gotten her through the past fourteen years of loneliness. The first and most important was her faith. The other was this day.

Her brother, Leo, was to meet her here. Meeting once a year was the one risk they took that neither could go without, and this remote Missouri city was a central location for both of them.

She checked her watch, hoping it would show she was early. They always timed it just right—5:00 p.m. in front of the courthouse. Surrounded by people all in a hurry to get home to warm houses and home-cooked meals, they could go unnoticed. For a few blissful, irreplaceable moments they could be themselves once again.

Thea adjusted the ball cap on her head, making sure her hair was still tucked up neatly beneath its worn edges. She pulled her oversize winter coat tighter and glanced around, searching for the matching cap her brother said he’d wear so she could spot him more easily. A gust of freezing wind blew against her. The icy chill in the air reached through her skin, grabbing her heart.

People bustled around her. Most of them had their heads down, scarves draped in front of their faces to protect against the biting wind. No one gave her a first glance, let alone a second, but still she sensed it.

Something was wrong.

Her fingers tightened around the medallion in her pocket. The raised family crest on its surface had nearly worn smooth from the many times she’d rubbed her fingers over it. It was all she had left of her family. Her past life faded away more and more every day into something that felt less like a memory and more like a dream. Ever since the attack at the safe house last week she’d been on edge. Every loud noise reminded her of gunfire, and every stranger was someone who might mean her harm.

But this was more than nerves.

She took a deep breath and whispered a quick prayer for strength.

The hair spiked on the back of her neck as a voice spoke behind her.

“Come with me.” The words were spoken so low for a brief moment she thought she’d imagined them, that the wind had merely carried a memory to her. A firm hand grasped her elbow and she jerked around to face a man wearing a red cap identical to hers. But he was neither a memory nor her brother.

Her eyes darted around her, checking the escape route she’d planned earlier.

“That’s not a good idea.” He spoke as if sensing her intent to run. His voice was soft and steady with a warm whisper of empathy. “You really don’t want to attract attention. Do you?”

Thea glanced up into the brightest blue eyes she’d ever seen. An eyebrow arched as he studied her, waiting for a reply. Deep in his eyes she saw a hint of compassion. But if she’d learned nothing else these past few years, she’d learned compassion could be faked. He was right in thinking she didn’t want to make a scene, but if he thought she’d just stand here and meekly do as he asked, he thought wrong.

“The way I see it, you are far more likely to gain attention if you try to stop me,” she said.

His grip tightened on her arm. Her eyes flew to his fingers—long and manly, they held her with a firm, confident grip.

“Maybe, but do you really want to put your theory to the test?” He tugged her against him as he spoke. Even through the layers of his heavy winter coat, she could feel his strength, sense his controlled power.

Her mind raced with options. She could scream. She could take the chance that somewhere in the hustle of the few people still leaving the building there would be one Good Samaritan who would come to her aid. There was a chance she’d be able to slip away unnoticed during the rescue attempt. There was also a chance she wouldn’t. Judging by the determined look deep in his steely blue eyes, he wouldn’t give up easily. Any do-gooder from the small town wouldn’t stand much of a chance against him.

“I could scream and have a police officer here within minutes.”

Despite the bluster of her words and thoughts, she stood frozen in compliance. Obedience had for such a long time been her first instinct. Everyone had always told her where to go, when to be still, when to run. She was good at running. But she was tired.

“That would be foolish and waste time.” He held her tightly against him, barely giving her space to breathe. “Time is something we don’t have an abundance of right now. Trust me. I’m here to help you.”

Part of her wanted to believe him, but she didn’t.

“I don’t need help.” She was here to meet her brother, not this man. She raised her chin and met his gaze. It had taken her a few years to discover she had a backbone. It had taken even longer to learn how to use it. “Especially not the sort of help that involves grabbing me and nearly yanking my arm off.”

“I can’t help you if you run. If I let go of your arm, we both know that’s what you’ll do.”

“You must have me confused with someone else.” The alarm bells that had been going off in her head resounded even louder. “As I said, I don’t need your help.” Slowly she jiggled her shoulder just enough to let the weight of her bag slide the strap down her arm.

“Whether you realize it or not, you do. You need to come with me.” His unwavering gaze steadied on her and she stiffened, worried he sensed her intent. “Now,” he added in a firm tone, his breath a cloud of frosty, minty air between them.

“What I need is for you to let go of me.” She tugged against his hold on her arm.

His grip held firm.

“You are Princess Dorthea Elizabeth Jamison, aren’t you?”

A prickle of unease raced up her spine. He knew who she was. In the past that had rarely been a good thing.

When she didn’t deny or confirm his question, he continued.

“My name is Ronin Parrish. Your brother sent me.” He took his eyes off her for a second, skimming their surroundings as if looking for something or someone. “We need to go. We’ve already stayed here longer than we should have.”

Fear swept through her. Her brother wasn’t coming.

Leo would never have stayed away willingly, and he would never have given up her location, despite what this man might say. After all these years, the people who had killed her father had finally come after her, killing her bodyguard in the process. They must have gone after Leo, as well. Whoever this man was, he knew far more than he should. The fact that he was here and not her brother could mean he had a part in keeping him away.

It could also mean he was telling the truth. But that was not a risk she was willing to take. She shook the thoughts of her brother away and dug deep for the strength she knew God had given her. She would have time later to deal with the emotions flooding her as she considered what might have happened to him. Every second she wasted ticked away at the time she had to find a safe place to think what her next step should be.

Self-preservation kicked in.

She grabbed the straps of her shoulder bag tightly in her hand and swung it with all her might toward his head. It made contact with a thud. He lost his footing, falling to one knee. His grip on her arm loosened. With a quick tug, she wrenched her arm away and ran.

She could hear him stumbling and then his feet crunching in the snow as he regained his balance. The sound grew more distant as she ran. She didn’t slow. She didn’t dare risk the time it would take to look over her shoulder to see how much of a lead she had.

Fear spurred her on. Her feet slipped on the icy sidewalk. If the chase continued out in the open he’d catch her easily. His legs were longer and he was doubtless well trained. He’d catch her, then he’d kill her.

The thought gave her a burst of speed. She’d shown up tonight with her escape plan in place. She’d learned from those who had protected her how important a quick getaway could be, and along the way she’d picked up a few tricks of her own.

She ducked between the evergreen bushes that lined the pathway separating the park and the courthouse. Hugging the stone wall as close as possible, she dropped the bright red baseball cap to the snow-covered ground and replaced it with a darker, woolen stocking cap from her pocket. Hopefully, the quick change would keep her from standing out. She turned the corner at the end of the block and darted between cars parked along the street. Carefully she weaved in and out of the few people on the sidewalk and slid into the diner on the corner.

The smell of fried foods hit her with the blast of warm air. Her stomach growled, reminding her of how long it had been since her last real meal. A quick glance out the large picture window showed no sign of the man, but he couldn’t be far behind.

She breathed a sigh of relief. She would be safe now. The small room was nearly filled with people. Elderly men sat along the fifties-style bar with steaming mugs in front of them. Thea dashed past booths of vinyl and Formica occupied by couples and families and headed to the women’s restroom at the back.

She was fairly certain he wouldn’t try to break in the bathroom door in front of everyone in the small diner. Once inside she locked the door and leaned against it just long enough to take a deep breath. More likely than not, if he followed her to the diner, he’d sit outside waiting for her. As if she would have a change of heart and just walk out and docilely do as he said.

He seemed the sort who was accustomed to people doing what he told them to do.

The tiny niggling of doubt flared its ugly head again. He really could be here to help her. She dismissed it. It didn’t matter. Many people had died trying to help her. She’d made a decision after what had happened last week at the safe house. The memory of those who had died trying to protect her would be something she carried with her forever. She would not be the cause of any more death. She had a chance to escape and she was going to take it.

The window above the toilet was the gateway to her future. It looked barely large enough for her to get through. The toilet bowl had no cover and the lid on the tank looked wobbly at best, but it was the window and freedom or the man and whatever plans he might have.

The strong odor of disinfectant assailed her as she stepped up onto the seat, balancing a foot on each side. Maneuvering onto the tank, she grabbed the windowsill as her support wobbled. Thea overadjusted and lost her precarious footing on the tank. Her chin came down hard on the ledge and she just managed to keep a foot from slipping into the bowl. But she was okay.

A few hard pushes on the window loosened the old paint enough to get it open, and she once again climbed up onto the tank. Knowing it would be a tight squeeze, she took off her jacket and dropped it and her bag through the window to the ground outside. She threw first one leg, then the other over the ledge and squirmed feetfirst through the small opening.

“Couldn’t get out the normal way?” a familiar male voice inquired from just behind her.

A flush coursed through her body as she realized the view she must be giving him, and she shimmied frantically to dislodge herself from her position. A sharp stinging sensation shot up her leg at the same time as the sound of tearing material. The more she pushed, the more it dug into her skin and the more her jeans ripped.

“I think you’re stuck on something.”

Thea snorted, a very unladylike sound.

She was at his mercy. His hands grasped her hips and pulled. After a few tugs and a little more wiggling, she was free. He lifted her body with ease. As little as she wanted to admit it, he was strong. Even stronger than she’d first imagined. The feel of him holding her briefly took her back to a place where she’d felt safe. It would be so easy to relax against him and let him protect her. Just as quickly the thought was gone and she was reminded that his strength was also a means to easily overpower her if he chose to. As her feet touched the ground, she turned to face him.

The humor that had been barely noticeable in his voice hadn’t yet reached his face; if anything he appeared more dangerous than he had before.

“Ever heard of a door?”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, I was attempting to give you the slip,” she said as she picked up her jacket from the ground.

“And how’s that working out for you?” This time she detected a soft hint of laughter in his voice.

“I think that’s painfully obvious.”

“It is, isn’t it?” he said, his lips tilting into a crooked grin. Then he turned and motioned with a swing of his arm for her to walk in front of him. “But hopefully, now you are ready to come with me.”

She ignored his motion and faced him, toe to toe.

“If you are here to kill me, just do it.” She quickly pushed her arms into her jacket and wrapped it tightly around her. “But don’t expect me to make it any easier for you.”

“I’m not here to kill you, Princess Dorthea.” He reached for her bag on the ground near his feet. He held it out between them, testing its weight and eyeing her suspiciously. “Are you carrying around the kitchen sink?”

“It’s a brick.” She grabbed for her bag, but he held it just out of her reach while removing her only means of protection. He then handed it back over to her.

“You won’t need the brick anymore. As I’ve already said, I’m here to rescue you.”

She snorted again. “Some rescue. I’m freezing and I’ve banged my chin.” She motioned where it had slammed against the windowsill. “I’ve ripped my jeans and who knows if I’ve torn skin, as well. If you were any good at your job, you could make my death quicker instead of slowly bruising me to death.”

He smiled and for the first time she really took the time to notice him as a man. Not just as a danger she needed to avoid. He was quite handsome in a rugged and ruthless sort of way.

“You are very right. If I were going to kill you, I’d have done it in a much more humane manner and much more quickly. I’d probably have shot you when you hit me in the head with your brick-loaded bag. Or perhaps a poison apple would be more your style?”

A lock of dark blond bangs fell across his forehead. Combined with the smile, it gave him a mischievous look. For a slight moment her heart warmed toward him. As a bitter north wind blew, bits of sleet began to pelt them, stinging her exposed skin before melting against her warmth.

Thea held herself in check to keep from smiling back at him. She felt a stab of guilt at the swollen gash on his forehead. A thin trickle of dried blood stained the side of his face. She shook off the feeling. There was still a chance, however small, that he meant to harm her.

“Let’s just pretend for a moment I might believe you.” She slung the strap of her bag over her shoulder and looked up into his eyes. “Why are you here? What has happened to my brother? And don’t give me that ‘I’m here to rescue you’ line again. I want the truth.”

“I will always be truthful with you, Princess. As I told you before, my name is Ronin Parrish. Your brother sent me to find you and keep you safe. You are in grave danger.”

Her heart lurched in her chest. The name was familiar, but she didn’t have time to place how she knew it. Her brother was her focus. Leo wouldn’t send someone to her unless something was terribly wrong. Images of him suffering, lying near death or worse, flooded her mind. She closed her eyes and prayed for the gut-wrenching fear to be replaced with peace. She prayed for her brother and that he would have the same peace and strength to get through whatever had happened to keep him away.

“My brother wouldn’t send someone unless it wasn’t possible for him to come on his own.” Confusion flooded her. She needed Leo. More so this year than any of the others they’d met here. “Is he...?” She couldn’t bear to finish the sentence or the thought.

“No.” The simple word sent a flood of relief and thankfulness through her. Ronin reached for her, but she pulled away. “I’m here to bring you home.”

“Home?” The word was a mere whisper on her lips. She hadn’t set foot in her country of Portase in fourteen years. All she had left of her home were the memories that had grown more and more unclear with time. At first she’d dreamed of the day she could return, but as the years had passed, thoughts of home had brought only fear. “I can never go home.”

As badly as she still wanted to, a part of her was afraid to accept it. So many happy memories had been buried beneath the ash that had once meant everything to her. Quickly on the heels were the bad memories, the knowledge that someone there wanted to see her dead.

“You still haven’t answered my question.” He’d done a fine job of dancing around it. His evasiveness did nothing to ease her suspicion of him. “Tell me. What has happened to my brother?”

Thea held her breath waiting for the answer she needed to hear even though she was certain she wouldn’t like it.

“He’s been shot.”

* * *

Ronin Parrish had anticipated a few different scenarios of his first meeting with Princess Dorthea. In all of them he’d save the day and she’d come along with him with very little argument. He hadn’t expected the woman standing in front of him, who looked as if she wasn’t sure whether to run or pummel him again with her bag.

At least he’d had the foresight to remove the brick from it if she did.

“Shot?” She choked the single word out on a fragile whisper.

The pain he heard in her voice made him want to take her in his arms and tell her everything was going to be okay. But he couldn’t. Not only would she not let him within two feet of her without running, but he wasn’t convinced himself. He was many things, but he wasn’t a liar. He wouldn’t sugarcoat the situation just to gain her cooperation.

“He’s in the hospital, but his condition is stable and the doctors expect a full recovery.”

“Take me to him.” Her words sounded very much like a command, but there was a slight waver in her voice. She was strong. Much stronger than he’d imagined. That characteristic could be both good and bad all wrapped up in one tiny princess package.

“I can’t do that.” Having both the royal heirs in the same place at the same time now would only lead to disaster. Every means possible must be used to keep them apart until the threat against them was identified and eliminated.

“I don’t believe you.” Suspicion lit her mossy-green eyes and she shuffled backward. “How do I know you aren’t the one who shot him?”

She was still afraid of him. Not that he could blame her. It would be difficult to trust after the pain and suffering she’d already endured in her twenty-four years. Her mother had died years before, during the birth of her younger sister. Her sister had only been three years old when their father, the king, had been killed, and she’d been lost in the fire that had been set in an attempt to cover his murder.

Leo was all she had left. Being separated from him these past fourteen years had probably taken its toll on her. The next few weeks wouldn’t be any easier than what she had already faced, but there was too much at stake to risk losing her now.

“I didn’t shoot your brother.” Even to him the words seemed like too little. He could only hope she would believe the sincerity in his voice. Now that he finally had the truth within his grasp, he would not let it go.

She was thinking of running again. He could sense it. Feel it as tangibly as the tiny shards of frozen rain beating against his skin. Ronin took a deep breath and squelched the urge to step toward her. Her eyes widened with apprehension. She was ready to flee. He knew she would run until there was no strength left in her. Her instincts were on target. She was in danger.

But not from him.

She took a larger step away, then another.

His mind raced. He could grab her and haul her to his car. There would be kicking and screaming involved. Not exactly the best way to go about gaining her confidence. Short of knocking her unconscious, which was really not an option, he had one shot at swaying her over to willingness.

“There is only one way you are ever going to see your brother again.” He hated using her brother and her need to see him as bribery. But it was the truth. Whether she knew it or not, she really only had one option.

Him. He just had to convince her of that.

She stopped in her tracks but made no move to step in his direction.

Her stillness gave him hope.

Icy pellets crunched beneath his feet as he took a small step toward her.

A gust of bitter wind blew wisps of hair free from her cap. Russet strands danced across her face but didn’t hide the uncertainty that swept over her features. He couldn’t blame her for not trusting him. A tiny part of him admired the way she followed her instincts.

“And what way is that?” Her voice was a soft whisper. Gone was all the gusto she’d tossed at him mere moments ago.

“Come with me.”

“You must think I’m a fool.”

Ronin thought her many things, but a fool was not one of them. She was one of the only people alive who could tell the truth of what had happened the night her father, the king, had been killed. Since that night she’d not spoken of what she’d seen or heard. The secrets buried somewhere in her mind made her an even bigger target than her brother. Not only was she heir to the throne as the firstborn, but she also held the power to condemn the real person responsible for the king’s death. The wrong man had been imprisoned. Ronin knew that to be absolute.

She held the knowledge that could free his father.

“Come with me and you’ll see your brother again. Arrangements are being made this moment for you to reclaim the throne that was taken from your father.”

“That is lunacy.”

“Is it?” he asked.

“Why now?” She stared at him. Her face was nearly devoid of any emotion. Her lips parted, then closed. An argument of pros and cons seemed to war behind her questioning eyes. He could only hope he was close to gaining her cooperation. “We were safe before last week. What has changed to make someone come after me after all this time?”

So many things, he thought. He was unsure of where to begin.

A car passed by them on the street, reminding him of their surroundings. The streetlights crackled and flickered to life just beyond where she stood near the curb. The icy snow mixture was falling heavier, and it was getting darker. He’d hoped to be on the road before night fell.

“Princess Dorthea, there is a lot to explain. But not here.”

She needed to know the truth. She deserved it. He would not keep that from her. He had nothing to hide. He was finished hiding. When he had been sent to bring Leo in, it had taken weeks to gain his trust. Once he had, they had become close friends and Leo had shown him the peace that could only come from living completely in the truth.

Leo had believed in him even when their country hadn’t.

A few seconds ticked away, but it felt like minutes. He didn’t have the benefit of weeks like he’d had with the prince. He watched her, the play of emotions sweeping over her face. She chewed at her bottom lip, her uncertain eyes glancing around her, then back at him. He noticed the instant she made her decision.

At that same moment he spotted the car at the end of the block, its bright lights beamed in their direction. Its tires spun in the ice and gravel mixture covering the road, sending an eerie squeal through the night as it headed toward them.

Toward her.

TWO

Thea gasped as the car’s wheels spun on the snow-slicked pavement. The driver revved the engine and the car made a beeline for her. Her first instinct was to say a quick prayer as she waited for it to slow or turn. Instead, it picked up speed.

A quick glance at the man she’d distanced herself from showed he’d noticed the car, as well. His gaze darted between her and the vehicle. This wasn’t the first time she’d faced death. Like the other times, someone was with her. The fact that she wouldn’t be facing it alone should give her some solace.

It didn’t.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Ronin rushing toward her. He would die for her. If anything, knowing he would try to save her made her even more terrified.

On instinct, she turned to run, too, to save herself, but her feet slipped out from under her and she hit the pavement. The ground was frozen and slick beneath her as she turned, hoping to get to her feet. But before she could, she was pulled against a hard body. Ronin’s strong arms encircled her, encasing her in a cocoon of safety.

His warmth seemed so familiar yet so new all at the same time. The fuzzy memory was so close she could almost reach out and pluck it from her mind. Just as quickly as it came, it was gone.

He rolled against the pavement, pulling her with him. Thea buried her face against him. They landed in a heap of tangled arms and legs against the far curb. The car flew by in a whoosh of air, barely missing them.

Ronin held her close, but she turned her head against his chest to see the car attempt to screech to a stop after passing them by. The sudden braking sent the car spinning out of control on the ice. Metal scraped metal as the car sideswiped the few vehicles parked in front of the diner.

“Are you hurt?” Ronin asked, sitting them upright. He quickly ran his hands over her arms and legs, checking for broken bones.

“I’m not sure.” Thea closed her eyes tightly, then opened them slowly in an attempt to clear her head. Her body shook with the gamut of emotions flooding her. She was alive and thankful for that.

The car continued its slide down the street. It came to a stop only when its front fender smashed into a light pole at the far end of the street. Sirens sounded in the distance.

“Can you stand?” His voice was filled with concern as he stood, then outstretched his hand to help her to her feet. Two black-clad figures stumbled from the vehicle. Thea watched in shock as they pointed in her direction. They were men, big and bulky, about the same height as Ronin. One of them reached inside his coat and pulled out a handgun, waving it in her direction as the other man shouted and made wild gestures with his hands.

The sirens grew louder. Blue and red police lights lit the night sky.

“Can you stand?” Ronin repeated, louder this time as he grabbed her hand. He pulled her to her feet without waiting for an answer. “We need to go, Princess.”

Thea gave no protest as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. It was only a matter of time before the men finished whatever argument they were having and came after them. Worse yet, they might decide to use their guns and start shooting at them. She followed Ronin’s lead as he guided her across the city square and the park to where he’d left his car. Sleek and black, it was exactly what she would expect him to drive. Dangerous yet powerful, just like the man who controlled it. He held the door open for her, but before giving in to the compliance she knew was expected of her, she risked one last, quick glance around her.

Police sirens grew closer. He was right. They had to go. Staying would endanger not only them, but also any innocent bystanders who might get in the way if the men came after them. The local police would be here soon, but men like these held no regard for the police. She slid into the passenger seat, her body strangely numb to everything going on around her. She barely noticed as Ronin grabbed her seat belt and fastened it across her.

Within moments they were leaving the small town behind them.

Tiny bits of ice hit the windshield, the wipers keeping a steady rhythm in an attempt to keep the windshield clear.

“They were trying to kill me.”

She glanced over at Ronin in the driver’s seat. His eyes remained on the road ahead, except for occasional glances in the rearview mirror.

He had risked his life for her.

“We could have both been killed,” she whispered.

“You’re safe now, Princess Dorthea.” She knew his words meant to calm her, but safe was something she hadn’t felt for a very long time.

Part of her was still wary of him, but the way she’d felt when he’d wrapped his arm over her shoulder and steered her to the car had sent her back in time. It had brought back the memories of when another man, much older, had protected her and made her feel safe when her world had been falling apart. For so long she’d hoped and prayed for a life that was normal again. Safe would be nice.

“Thea,” she said. “My name is Thea now.”

She wasn’t sure if he was even listening now, but she cringed every time he used her formal name. Princess Dorthea was a person people died for. She was tired of that person. It might be her title, but she wasn’t a princess anymore. She wasn’t sure if she ever really wanted to be again.

Thea relaxed against the headrest and took a deep breath. Her stomach turned, both from hunger and the stress of the events of the evening. She fought against the nausea rising in her throat. Asking him to pull over so she could vomit was one humiliation she’d prefer to not have to deal with.

In an attempt to take her mind off her stomach, she turned her head to study Ronin’s profile. Thea couldn’t quite put her finger on what was so familiar about him. Maybe he looked like someone she’d once seen in a movie or on television years ago. That must be it. He just had that sort of face.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, catching her staring at him.

“That’s a silly question.” Thea attempted a laugh, but it emerged as more of a choked squeak.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I’m sorry about your head and the brick.” Thea reached toward his face, her fingertips brushing over the nasty cut just above his eyebrow.

“Are you?” he questioned.

“Yes, I am. Despite my earlier behavior, I’m not the sort of person who runs around bashing unsuspecting men upside the head.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I wasn’t totally unsuspecting.”

She smiled at his remark.

“And if it makes you feel any better, it probably won’t scar.”

“Even if it did, it would blend right in with the few I have already.”

“Well, then it would make you look even more dangerous.” Thea studied his face, taking in the few faint lines of small scars she’d not noticed earlier. He’d seen his fair share of battles of one sort or another. “I assume looking dangerous comes in handy in your line of work.”

“And what sort of work is it that you think I am in, exactly?”

“I think it’s safe to say you would have killed me by now if that was your intent. So you must really be here to rescue me.”

Thea wasn’t sure exactly what job title that would be. It really didn’t matter. Given her true identity and the circumstances under which they’d met, she assumed it would be safe to say he was a bodyguard in some shape or form. If he’d been anything less, she imagined the brick would have sent him running.

“You’re going to have quite the bruise yourself.” He nodded toward her chin.

“That was my own doing, though. I’m a bit clumsy when it comes to balancing on wobbly toilet tanks.”

“Are you hurt anywhere else?”

“Everything seems to be in working order.” Thea stretched her legs and wiggled her arms around as proof. She felt a twinge of pain, but bruising was expected after the ordeal they’d been through.

“Still, as soon as I’m sure we’re not being followed, we’ll find a spot to pull over and stretch our legs just to be sure. Maybe pick up some food, too.”

Her stomach turned again. It had been days since she’d eaten.

“I’d like that.” She glanced over at him. He knew her name, but how much more did he know? “I have no money,” she added. When the safe house where she’d lived for the past year had been overrun, she’d barely had time to grab her bag. Her guards had told her to run and she’d run. Just like a good little princess.

“I know,” he replied in a gentle tone. “You must be starving.”

“I am hungry.”

The few dollars she had saved from her part-time job at the local diner had lasted only a couple days. She’d slept where she could find a safe spot and survived on vending-machine snacks, just getting by, waiting for today, when she was supposed to meet Leo.

Leo would have known what to do.

She had complete trust in her brother, and he’d sent this man to her. She sneaked a glance at his strong profile again. For the time being she would have to trust him, too. There was something about him that still raised warning flags in her mind. He had secrets, things he hadn’t shared completely with her. But she’d see this through. Despite her reservations about going home, she needed her brother. If this man could take her to him, then she’d go along with him for now. But that didn’t mean she’d trust him blindly.

Something about him and this situation didn’t sit quite right, but she would find a way to turn it around, even if it meant letting him be her protector for a few days. It would be worth it to see her brother. If there was even a remote chance she could be reunited with Leo, she would take it. For so many years she’d only dreamed of having a normal life once again. It wasn’t easy to trust him, but what choice did she have?

She didn’t like needing someone else to fight her battles for her, and she didn’t want to endanger any other lives. But she was smart enough to know she’d never find the answers without help. He was her best chance at finally finding out who had killed her father and wanted her dead. Once that person was caught and punished, she’d at least have a chance at a normal family once again.

* * *

She attacked the plate of french fries as if she hadn’t eaten in weeks. As soon as the waitress had placed the meal in front of her, Thea had bowed her head and given a quiet prayer of thanks, then dug into the food with her full attention.

A twinge of guilt shot through him. He’d driven longer than he probably needed to, but he couldn’t take the chance they were being followed. Even now they were taking a chance. But she had to eat.

There was a very real possibility this was the first meal she’d had in days. Her most recent safe house had been compromised last week. Ronin hated to think of how she’d been surviving since. Or how she’d even managed to make it out safely. He smiled to himself. She probably went out through a window. Not that it was a laughing matter. She was in very real danger. He’d do well to not let himself get too comfortable with her. He needed to keep reminding himself of that.

Her safety had to come first.

He checked his watch. They’d driven for several hours. It would be midnight soon. With the weather it had been slow going. It didn’t help that he’d stuck to using mostly back roads. There had been no sign of any other vehicles in miles, besides those whose drivers had lost control and ended up in ditches along the highway. Like he’d promised, when he was sure they were safe, he’d pulled over for a much needed break and food.

They sat at a table near the back of the truck stop. Only a few people—all truckers from what he could tell—were out at this time of night and in these conditions. From his position he had a good view of the entrance over Thea’s shoulder. Ronin took a bite of his fries, hoping she wouldn’t notice how intently he’d been watching her and the doorway behind her. She’d been on edge since they’d left the town behind them. Not that he could blame her. The fact that she hadn’t fainted dead away or lapsed into a fit of hysteria spoke a great deal for her inner strength.

He’d studied every written fact about the princess for months knowing that she was probably the best, if not only, hope he had of clearing his father’s name. But all of the studying he’d done hadn’t begun to prepare him for the truth of who she really was. All of the words written on paper couldn’t really capture the essence of her.

Although after all this time and all she’d been through he hadn’t expected a pampered, tiara-wearing princess. He watched her take a very large, unladylike bite of her cheeseburger. He hadn’t really anticipated her being able to blend into her surroundings so well, either. He should have known better. “Expect the unexpected” was a good motto to live by.

Despite the fact she had learned her fair share of survival techniques, he could still see a softness around the edges. She would be offended to know he noticed.

By all appearances she was paying him little attention while she ate her meal. But he’d caught her watching him, even though she’d kept her eyes lowered. She was guarded and wary. Both were good qualities to have when you weren’t sure where danger might be lurking. She’d be wise to not trust every stranger they might come across.

She was wise to not trust him.

“You have some ketchup...” He made a motion at the corner of his own mouth, hoping she’d find the spot. “Right there.”

The tip of her tongue flicked around the corner of her mouth, licking her pink lips clean.

“It’s not polite to stare.”

“I’m sorry, Princess Dorthea.” When she shot him a glare, he corrected himself. “Thea.”

“You must think I’ve turned into a barbarian.” A juicy hamburger grease mixture with mayo and tomato ran down her fingers. She set the remainder on her plate and used her napkin to wipe her hands clean.

“If I were going to think you barbaric, it would have been when you hit me with that brick.”

“I might do it again if I felt threatened.” She smiled but he knew how serious she was. He could already tell she was very stubborn. That was just another characteristic about her that surprised him.

“No matter how sorry it made you, of course,” he teased, tossing back her earlier statement.

“Of course,” she agreed with a nervous laugh.

“While I admire that you are capable of taking care of yourself, your brick-wielding days are over. I’m here to protect you now.”

He heard her sharp intake of breath and noticed the flash of daring in her eyes but was spared the reply as the waitress walked up to their table.

“Can I get you guys a refill?”

“Yes, please.” Thea pushed her nearly empty glass of water to the edge of the table, where the waitress could pour from the pitcher she held in her hand.

Ronin nodded and did the same.

“I hope you’re planning on leaving a good tip,” Thea said after the waitress had walked away. “Most waitresses live on tips, you know.”

He couldn’t say that he knew or didn’t. It was one of those things that in this place and time didn’t really matter much in the grand scheme of things. But it mattered to her.

Thea fidgeted with the straw in her drink, swirling it around between the ice cubes, staring at it, but he could tell her mind was somewhere else.

Ronin knew nearly everything there was to know about her. She’d been allowed to work part-time as a waitress at local diners near her last few homes. The choice had been a foolish one. Being in the open made her an easy target. If not for the fact any money the sympathizers had managed to get from the sale of family jewels and salvaged belongings had long ago run out, it probably wouldn’t have even been considered. Although he’d only known Thea for a short time, he could imagine she’d been very stubborn about wanting to pay her own way.

Foolish or not, the job might have saved her life.

“I worked as a waitress.” Thea pulled her hands back and placed them in her lap. “I wasn’t home when they came for me. A coworker asked me to cover a shift and I snuck out. I was at work. I came home and found them...” Her words trailed off.

Ronin reached across the table, willing her to take his hand so he could pull her from the terrifying memories she was lost in. Just then, the waitress reappeared, pad and pen out in front of her ready to tally up their meal and any extras she might be able to talk them into. “Can I get either of you some dessert?”

Thea jumped in her seat. For a brief moment he thought she might get up and run.

“I’m sorry, hon. Didn’t mean to startle you,” the waitress said, noticing Thea’s edginess. “The pecan pie is very tasty and made fresh this afternoon. We even buy the pecans locally from a grove down the road.”

“No nuts, thanks. We’re allergic.”

Thea eyed him from across the table. The fear seemed to change to suspicion.

“I think we’re about finished up here,” he said, glancing over at Thea. “Unless you would like something else?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Thea replied guardedly.

“Just the check, please,” Ronin requested. The sooner they got back on the road, the better.

“Sure thing,” the waitress replied. “You two aren’t from around here, are you?”

“Just traveling through.”

“We don’t get many travelers this time of night, especially with this weather.” She rambled as she totaled up their order, ripping the paper from the pad and laying it on the table next to his plate. “Now, in the summer, that’s a different story. We have some of the best catfish fishing spots around just a few miles down the road.”

Ronin pulled out a few bills, with a large tip figured in, and laid them on the table.

“I’ll be right back with your change.”

“You can keep it,” Ronin replied.

“Thank you. That’s mighty kind of you.” She flashed him a big smile. “You two be careful out there. We don’t usually get storms like this one this late in the year. Even so, it’s turning into the worst storm in years. Many of the highways will be shut down soon if it keeps up.”

“I’d like to use the restroom before we get back on the road,” Thea stated after the waitress had gone.

Ronin wasn’t sure if she was asking for permission or voicing a fact. The tone in her voice was one he hadn’t heard from her yet. It left no room for argument. As she brushed past him, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d just been put in his place.

With large strides he caught up with her just before she entered the bathroom. Blocking the door, he flicked the light on and checked out the small room before letting her pass.

“I think we need to get something straight.”

“We do?” Her eyebrows raised in question.

“Yes, we do.” Ronin took a deep breath. “This is the way it’s going to be. While I am protecting you, I am in charge.” He paused, waiting for the argument he was sure would come before adding, “You will do as I say.”

She crossed her arms in front of her and stared but said nothing. Was she mulling his words over in her mind or had she already totally dismissed them?

“You’re not thinking of coming in here with me, are you?” she finally said.

“Not at all,” he replied. He enjoyed the flash of fire in her eyes as he teased. “Just checking for windows.”

Ronin leaned a shoulder against the wall by the door and waited. He might appear relaxed, but he kept his eyes and ears tuned to any movement and noise around them. That conversation had gone better than expected. There was a storm brewing in her mind, though. It was just a matter of time before she let it all loose on him.

He smiled. He rather enjoyed the idea of that. He admired a woman who wouldn’t just sit back and do as she was told. But the pluck had to be tempered with just the right amount of wisdom. There was a time and a place. He could only hope she fully understood now was the time to listen and do as she was asked.

Whether she liked it or not, he had to take the lead. His first priority was keeping her safe. He couldn’t do that properly if she were questioning him at every turn or trying to run. The earlier attack proved how real the threat was. They had just been fortunate that the men hadn’t used their guns earlier. He had seen one of the men pull his weapon. Then they’d argued. Probably about the police and the scene it would cause. But another attack was inevitable.

Now that rumors were circulating about the long-thought-dead prince and princess being alive and hidden away in the United States, there would be more attacks. They wouldn’t stop.

If that information had stayed safely hidden away like it had for the past fourteen years, this would be a walk in the park. He would have stayed with Leo, and his brother Jarrod would have come for Thea. That had been their plan. But things hadn’t gone according to plan. Leo had been shot, and more men had been sent to him. Then word had leaked about the prince and princess being alive. Ronin was the closest and had learned of her plan to meet her brother, so he’d come for Thea.

The person responsible for the information coming out early was just as guilty as the men who had attacked the safe house and killed innocent people. When the leak was found, he or she would be tried right along with the assassins.

He heard her shuffling around inside. He imagined her indignation at being watched over and told what to do. Like it or not, he would watch her a lot more closely now. When he was positive she was safe and sound at the royal estate just outside Denver, she could order him to take a very long hike if she wanted. But for now, she would do what he asked.

The door creaked open and she emerged. Without a word he helped her into her coat and they made their way outside. Only a few trucks and trailers were parked along the edges of the parking lot, and his car stood alone near the front. The wind blew with such force it was a struggle to walk a straight line. He wrapped his arm around Thea and together they trudged, heads down, to the car.

Out in the open and exposed as they were, his senses were on alert. If anyone were going to make a move, this would be the perfect time. Arriving at the car, he opened Thea’s door and helped her inside before moving around to the driver’s side. Quickly, he scraped off the snow and ice that had accumulated on the windshield before joining her inside. They might be safe now, but at any point another attempt could be made on Thea’s life.

Despite the circumstances, he was actually looking forward to the long drive. She surprised him. In the short time he’d spent with her, he’d already begun to admire many things about her. One couldn’t help but be drawn to her passion for life and caring spirit.

He glanced in her direction before pulling out onto the highway. Thea’s eyes remained focused out her window. It was probably for the best. He needed to keep the distance he’d put between them by telling her the way things had to be. Getting too close and forgetting this was a job would jeopardize not only getting to the truth he craved, but also her life.

THREE

“How did you know about the nuts?” She’d been staring out the window, watching the snow fly by for the past hour or so. She was bored. Despite the fact she was annoyed with him, she couldn’t sit and do nothing for another moment. Her mind had been so focused on his overbearing, macho orders, she’d nearly forgotten her curiosity over his remark about her allergy earlier.

Silence was her only immediate reply, and for a moment she wondered if she’d need to repeat herself or if he was going to answer at all.

“I know everything about you,” he said quietly.

“Everything?” she asked. Surely he couldn’t know everything. Her mind raced with some of the more private moments of her life that she wouldn’t feel comfortable with a complete stranger knowing.

“You are a princess. Your life is well documented.”

“Well documented?” Thea resisted the urge to shriek, but she felt it building inside her nonetheless. “Documented how?”

“Everything about you has been written down from the day you were born. Your first steps, your first smile. Your first tooth is on exhibit in a museum back home.”

“Really?” she gasped, studying his profile.

“No.” He glanced her way and shot her a quick smile. “I was only teasing about the tooth. But you have always been observed.”

“You shouldn’t tease me that way.” Embarrassment coursed through her. She’d known she had always been watched and her family would forever be a part of their country’s history. History was one thing, though. It was something to look back on years and years from now and ponder. They weren’t things she wanted to share in the here and now. They definitely weren’t things she wanted to share with a man who already thought he knew everything there was to know about her. It was unnerving that he quite possibly knew more about her than she remembered herself.

He smiled, a wide, knowing smile, and it only fueled her discomfort.

“It was important that I know all that I could about you in order to do my job and properly protect you.”

It was only a job. The fact should have lessened her embarrassment, but it didn’t. It wasn’t right that one person should know so much about another. It was an unfair advantage that he knew so much about her and she knew nothing about him.

“That’s hardly fair.” Thea crossed her arms and stared ahead out the windshield. The snow fell heavily in large, perfect flakes. It was as if they were in their own private spaceship on a voyage through the stars. Snowflakes zoomed by at what seemed like lightning speed, but she’d been watching the speedometer and knew they were barely crawling along at well below the speed limit. The beauty of the snow kept her mind from racing off through the many other things he might know about her that she’d rather he didn’t.

“Would it make it fair if I told you something about me?”

“Of course it would.” Any idea of who this man was would help if she were going to continue to hold her own against him. She had to have a clue of what she was up against.

“Then ask away.”

She had no idea where to start. There were so many things that she wanted to know. Jumbled thoughts of questions to ask ran through her mind.

“Do you believe in God?” In the dim light of the dashboard, she could see the play of emotions race across his face. It seemed she’d surprised him with her question. Her own faith and beliefs were central to her identity. She knew without a doubt she wouldn’t be who she was now if her faith hadn’t given her the strength to see the good that could come from all the bad she had experienced in her life. If she were going to trust him with her life and spend any amount of time with him, she needed to know if he shared her convictions.

“Yes,” he answered.

Thea sensed there was a lot more he wasn’t saying. For a moment she thought of pushing further but decided against it. He’d tell her more when he was ready, or she’d find out by his actions. Besides, there was much more she wanted to learn about the man who already knew her life story.

“Are you married?” As soon as the words were spoken, she wondered if she was being too nosey. “I’m sorry—it’s none of my business.”

“Don’t be sorry. All’s fair. After all, I’m fully aware that you are single. I could list the names, ages and social security numbers of the men you have seen socially, though, if you’d like.” He chuckled and, although she knew he was teasing her, she rose to the challenge.

“You and I both know I’ve barely been allowed to make friends, let alone date.” She paused for a moment. She wanted to make connections and have friends. But friendships were impossible when you were never allowed to stay in one place very long and were always being watched. “All right, then, I stand by my question.” She’d noticed he wore no rings, although that didn’t always mean a man was single. Not all men chose to wear rings.

“I’m single. Never married. I have dated, but nothing serious, really.” He paused, flashing a grin. “Would you like names and ages?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary, do you?” She grinned right back. Thea couldn’t help herself. It surprised her how difficult it was to stay angry with him. Not to mention how at ease she felt when only hours ago she’d thought him capable of trying to kill her.

“How do you know my brother?” she asked, hoping to catch him off guard and finally get answers to the questions racing through her mind.

She watched as his face went from playful to serious in a flash. His brows furrowed as he thought. She knew in that second that whatever he told her would be the truth. He was only taking the time to say it as gently as he could. She admired him for that, but part of her just wanted for once to hear the unabridged version and not the watered-down, what-he-thought-the-princess-could-handle edition.

“I was his bodyguard.”

And Leo had been shot. He didn’t say it, but she could tell he was thinking it. The guilt flashed across his face as he spoke the words. Maybe not so much for his own feelings, but perhaps because of what he imagined she’d think of him.

“Do you think I’m going to blame you for his being shot?” Thea folded her hands in her lap to keep from reaching over and smoothing the worry from his face.

“Don’t you?” His shoulders slumped slightly, so slightly anyone else might not have noticed. But she had spent the past fourteen years of her life studying people, determining who was telling her the truth and who was lying to protect her supposed tender feelings. In that moment she knew she couldn’t be angry with him.

“Of course not.” She couldn’t blame him any more than those who had been trained to give up their lives for her and her family. Her heart broke for those who had already done so. Those men were so filled with duty and honor, they would never hesitate in doing what needed to be done. She was tired of the death, of the threats. She wanted it all to end.

She loved her brother more than anything. Without thought, her fingers found the medallion in her pocket and slowly began rubbing what was left of the raised surface of her family crest. He was all she had left. If he’d died, she would have lost a large piece of herself. Her life would have had an emptiness that would have taken a lot of time and prayer to ease.

“How did it happen?” Thea knew it would be uncomfortable for him to share and just as uncomfortable to hear. But she had to know. For now this man was her only connection to her brother. She reached across the space between their seats and lay her hand on his arm. She sensed the muscles in his forearm tense. “Please tell me.”

Thea was relieved Ronin kept his eyes on the road. It was bad enough he could hear the emotion in her voice; she didn’t want him to see the feelings she was sure were not hidden at all on her face. She closed her eyes and waited, praying that he would give her at least a little of what she needed so badly.

She didn’t have to wait long.

“I don’t know for sure how much you know of your brother. But he has become a man with a huge heart. He tends to follow it into places he probably shouldn’t.”

Thea smiled. She pulled her hand back and relaxed into the passenger seat. His words brought back images and memories of the teenage boy Leo had been before their lives had changed. The few occasions she had seen him since had hardly been enough time to judge the man he had become.

“He has hidden himself away the last year or so working in a homeless shelter in Chicago,” Ronin continued. “He’s made quite a few friends there. He considers himself one of them.”

“Because he understands what it’s like to be without a place to call home,” Thea remarked. It made perfect sense to her. Leo would experience a bond with those who didn’t feel as if they belonged.

“Yes,” Ronin agreed. “That’s the way he explained it, as well.”

“But how did he end up being shot?” Thea urged him to continue.

“One of his friends at the shelter went missing. Leo started investigating.”

“On his own?” she asked.

“That surprises you?”

“No, not really.” She sighed. “I probably would have done the same thing.”

“I had just made contact with your brother. Leo had already been at it a few weeks. He was close to a breakthrough, I imagine.”

“And that’s what got him shot?”

“We think so.”

“So it wasn’t the same people who are after me?” It seemed bizarre that so much danger had come into their lives at the same time but for different reasons.

“As far as we can tell.” Ronin paused for a few moments and gripped the steering wheel tightly as an eighteen-wheeler attempted to pass them on the slick road. “He has people with him looking into it to be sure.”

“Could you have done anything to stop it?” she questioned.

“I did all that I could.”

“Then you have your answer. It’s not my place to judge what you could or couldn’t have done.”

“How can you be so forgiving?”

Thea didn’t have to think long. The answer was easy. She’d learned holding on to bitterness and blame brought only pain. The only way to truly live a happy life was to forgive.

“How can I not?”

* * *

Forgiveness was not something he was accustomed to.

Especially not so quickly and easily. He had done all that he could to protect Leo, but he’d been just that much too slow. He had been busy watching for an attack from those in power in their country; he hadn’t expected it from some random source. But still, he’d failed and he did blame himself for that.

He would not fail a second time.

He glanced over at the woman next to him. Thea truly was special. At first glance she might seem rather ordinary if you didn’t know of her heritage. A tiny jagged scar high on her forehead was the only feature keeping her face from being perfect. If you took the time to look deeper than surface impressions, you could see true beauty.

Wavy locks of deep chestnut hair framed a lightly freckled face. He knew from his research that she hated the freckles. But they gave her character. She was beautiful, but it was her inner beauty that shone through more than anything.

She had her father’s faith, as well. When she’d asked him if he believed in God, he hadn’t been sure what to say. He believed. He knew there was a God, but his faith had wavered so much since the day they’d come for his father. His friends and his country had turned their backs not only on him, but on his brothers also. He couldn’t help but think perhaps God had turned His back, too.

He glanced over at Thea and she smiled at him. She might still have her doubts and questions, but he could sense her trust. She was her father’s daughter in every aspect. The king had been a wise man. King Donovan had ruled his people not with an iron fist, but with love. His kindness and faith had made the small country the prosperous land it was. When it was believed that the king and his son and daughters had been killed, his people had mourned the loss greatly.

It was perhaps that state of mourning that had allowed the king’s second cousin, Marcus Wendell, to step in and take over the throne. During these past fourteen years, their country had been under King Marcus’s rule, and the nation had very slowly been on a downward spiral. That spiral was attributed mostly to the fact that the king was weak-minded. For the past few years he’d taken to finding a bride. That endeavor had led him to his engagement with a woman of questionable character, Lucia Delmont.

At first Lucia had fooled them all. Mostly because during the first months of the engagement, she’d wisely kept in the background. But recently, he’d given her more and more power despite the fact they were not even wed yet. It was then that her true colors had begun to show to those who were wise enough to see her for what she was. It was almost to the point now that the bitter woman was ruling the country through the king. When word had leaked to the people that the prince and princess might be alive, an outcry to discover the truth had begun.

Unfortunately, the rumor also gave the real killer of their father motive to find them first and see that they never made it back to their country. The people might think the king’s murderer was in prison. But it was not the truth—Ronin knew it in his heart. He also knew the real killer would see the need to finish the job that had been started all those years ago. Leo would be a target as part of the royal bloodline. But Thea held the truths that could see the assassin brought to justice. She had seen the killer, and whether she remembered who it was or not, she would be hunted with a vengeance. That hunt had already begun. For now there were only rumors that the prince and princess were alive. Someone out there would go to any means to squelch those rumors and see that the heirs remained dead to their people.

Only this time their deaths would be of a much more permanent nature.

“How much do you know of what is happening in our country?” he asked. He’d thought she’d be kept up-to-date on most of the current affairs, but he wasn’t sure.

“Not much. I was barely ten when I was taken away. Those I had contact with seemed to think it was best I only knew that my father, sister and brother had perished.” She paused as if needing an extra boost of fortitude to continue. “It was only when I overheard them planning on moving my brother that I learned he was still alive.”

“That must have been difficult for you.” His mother had died when he’d been young, as well. His father and brothers meant the world to him. He would do anything for them. The realization gave him a new respect for her and what she had overcome.

“It was.” She sighed. “But I had my faith. I’ve always believed that good can come from the most difficult times. I had God with me through it all, and as Leo and I grew older, we also grew smarter. We found ways to work around the plans to keep us apart.”

“By having your annual meeting?”

“Yes.” Her voice broke. Ronin resisted the urge to reach out and lay his hand over hers. “It wasn’t much, but it was better than never seeing my brother again.”

“You will see him again.” He hoped his words would give her the added courage to continue telling him what she knew. There was so much buried in her mind somewhere. She had been there when the king had been shot. No one knew for sure how much she’d witnessed, but anything at all would be better than the nothing he had now. He needed to know if she held any memory of his father from the night her family had died, if she remembered who had attacked her and left her for dead.

“I know.” She sounded sure, more sure than he was at this moment. Where the courage came from he didn’t know, but he respected her all the more for not giving up.

“What about you? Do you have family?”

“Yes. I have two brothers.”

“Are they in Portase?”

Her question caught him off guard. He had hoped to get answers from her, not the other way around. Not that he minded sharing with her. He held a close bond with his brothers. They had come to the United States even before he had, when the country they had called home for all of their lives had shunned them.

“They are all here in the States, actually. My older brother, Jarrod, started up his own security company in Colorado. My other brother, Declan, and I have both been working for him.”

Ronin debated telling her more. His father had gotten them both out alive and a plan had been set in motion before he was imprisoned. It was Jarrod’s company that had provided the security for the prince and princess for the past several years. Before that, a few close friends of their father’s had helped move Thea and Leo from place to place. It had become his family’s mission to keep the royal heirs safe and hidden from those who were currently in power and were likely responsible for the king’s death.

“Are you not from Portase, then?” Her voice sounded tired. She turned toward him and he noticed her stifled yawn. She was doing her best to stay awake, but she looked drained. After all that she’d been through today, she was probably exhausted both mentally and physically.

“Originally, yes.” Any other truths he needed to share or questions he needed to ask could wait. “But that is a long story and you need to rest.” It would be selfish to keep her awake when she so obviously needed sleep. “I’m going to drive as long as I can through the night. If you’d like to relax, there’s a pillow and a blanket in the backseat.”

“I might take you up on that,” she said as she twisted in the seat, reaching behind her and feeling around for the items. Finding them, she turned and arranged the pillow against the window and her shoulder. She spread the heavy military blanket over her lap and snuggled into the seat as best she could. “Normally, I can’t sleep in a moving car, but this snow is hypnotizing. Besides, I feel pretty safe with you at the wheel.”

She would be safe. He’d see to that. Earlier he had not been paying as close attention to their surroundings as he should have been, and he’d nearly failed his self-imposed assignment before it even began. He honestly hadn’t expected an attack so soon. He should have known better. But in those few minutes when she’d turned to face him, her eyes filled with trust, and he’d taken his mind off protecting her and thought about the many reasons she’d have for not trusting him when all of the truth came out.

Thea relaxed her head against the pillow and fidgeted some more, trying to find a comfortable position in near impossible circumstances. She would be asleep within minutes.

Ronin glanced in the rearview mirror to see if any vehicles were following. The men would need a new car, and they could have been injured and possibly arrested. The roads were nearly vacant with the ice storm picking up force in the area. Travel would be slow, but he and Thea had a good head start, and if they stuck to back roads, the odds were in their favor they would not be found.

“Is anyone back there?” she whispered.

“I thought you were asleep.” He smiled and shook his head. He would have to be careful with her. She paid a lot more attention to things than he’d thought. “Nothing but ice and snow.” He glanced back again, just to be sure. “Go to sleep. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

“Where’s there?” she mumbled.

“We’re headed to a safe house in Denver. Then, after your identity has been verified, it’s on to the royal estate outside Denver.”

“I’ve always wanted to see the mountains.” She breathed the words on a sigh. Ronin wasn’t sure if she was even awake.

When she didn’t say anything else after a few minutes, Ronin realized she must have truly fallen asleep this time. It was going to be a long night. At these speeds and with these road conditions, they probably wouldn’t arrive until late tomorrow. If his brothers were on task, they would be preparing a safe haven for the princess. But he couldn’t be certain what they’d find when they arrived. There had been one leak already; there could be more. She’d need her rest for the possible receptions they could receive.

As he drove, Ronin thought of checking in with his older brother. Jarrod had worked hard behind the scenes to make sure everything was prepared for their arrival. He was just as dedicated to finding the truth as Ronin. It would be nice to know what preparations were being made, but he dismissed the idea. Cell service was limited and he wasn’t supposed to make any sort of contact.

They were on their own.

He’d known that before he’d come for her. There would be no formal move against the current king until the prince and princess could be brought forth and validated as the true heirs of the throne. There were many out there who would go to any extremes to keep that from happening. The king was still the king, and if he had a hand in the murder of her father, he would have the support of their country. At least until the truth was revealed.

Ronin drove for several hours, running different scenarios through his mind as they moved out of Missouri and into Kansas. It all passed by in a blur of white. None of the ways Thea’s homecoming might play out were within acceptable limits. Until their country actually saw them and accepted them, she and Leo were still as good as dead. He had no doubt attempts could be made on their lives even once they’d reached the estate where they were to meet. Until the real killer was found and imprisoned, they would never be safe.

He’d just made the decision to switch to a different county road that would be less traveled when he noticed the headlights coming up behind him. The only vehicles he’d seen in the past few hours were two truckers moving even slower than himself and a car that was being pulled out of a ditch by a tow truck.

The headlights came up fast behind him. Too fast.

Within moments the interior of the car was flooded with bright light.

Ronin watched in disbelief as the car grew closer. Only a desperate fool would try what he knew was about to happen.

“Thea.” He spoke calmly but loudly. He didn’t dare take his hands off the steering wheel to nudge her. “Thea, wake up.”

Thea awoke with a start at the first lurch of the car when bumper tapped against bumper.

“What’s happened?” she questioned, bolting upright in her seat and glancing quickly behind them.

“Hold on tight.” Ronin gripped the steering wheel, preparing for the worst that was sure to come. “They’ve found us.”

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