Dimitri POV
Sophia ran, clinging to his hand, the park passing by in a blur. "What is it?" she asked when they were a safe distance away.
"Luc's man. His spy."
She laughed ironically. "Well, he just made my argument for me ... why would he be spying on you? He doesn't want you charting your own path. You're a threat to his power--even if you just leave the kingdom, give up your crown, and spend your days in an artist's commune or on a beach in Tahiti like Gauguin."
"I burn easily. Come on. We'll head to the ferry."
Sophia gripped his hand. "You're going to have to fight him sooner or later."
"Maybe so, but that's not today. I'm more concerned about you."
She bared her teeth. "Blood of Medicis, remember?"
As they rounded a curve close to a bushes, Dimitri spotted movement in the bushes.
"Sophia--"
"NO. We do this together."
He appreciated her courage. "Stay close to me."
