Azzurra’s gaze lingered on the door as it closed behind Benedetto. Who was that man? He carried himself with the unmistakable air of royalty, yet something about him unsettled her. No royal ever showed kindness to a human so why had he smiled at her?

“You missed me?” Marcello’s voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present. She turned, only to find Rio perched comfortably on his lap, staring up at him with wide, adoring eyes as Marcello posed the question.

“Thwis ...