"We are just friends, and she is very important to me," he replied.
Augustus did not appear satisfied with the response, but he nodded and swallowed the last of his drink. "I know you are the crown prince and hence very powerful, but Levina is the only family I have left. My only child," he put the cup down on a table and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. "Her mother spent her whole life protecting Levina, and after she died, the responsibility passed to me."
"I cannot see my daughter get hurt or have any harm come her way. And I can assure you I will do anything to protect her. It doesn't matter who is involved," his voice eerily low, and his face remained expressionless, but Lucien could tell that he meant every bit of what he said.
Lucien nodded. "I understand. I will protect Levina with my life against anyone or anything. I promise you that."
