Chapter 11

After almost two hours at the Zanzibar Cultural Festival, we made our way back to the Park Hyatt Hotel. Daphne and I were both still buzzing from the fun and excitement of outrunning August and Caleb, not to mention the hour-long dance session we'd had in front of the main music stage.

It was absolutely liberating that I could have so much fun without the fear of someone recognizing me or telling me it was not proper royal protocol to act that way. I was a nobody in Africa, just a carefree tourist who was living in the moment, and I loved it.

I smiled, recalling the thrill of our tuk-tuk chase through the streets of Stone Town. "I think our driver used to be a former Formula One racer."

Daphne laughed. "That was amazing, but not quite as exhilarating as the guys chasing us through the festival. Buying the dresses and head wraps was a brilliant idea. We blended right in with the crowd."

I had also come up with the idea of waiting until we immersed ourselves with the dancers before putting on our head wraps since August had only seen us buy the dresses.

Daphne stopped for a second and twirled around in her khanga dress, the vivid mix of turquoise and mango orange, embellished with geometric patterns, seemed to dance with her every movement.

"I just love mine," she added. "And I have to say that you look quite fabulous. Enjoy it while it lasts, because I doubt you'll be able to wear it back in Kastonia."

"You never know," I said with a grin.

I glanced at the reflection of my dress and head wrap in one of the store windows, absolutely loving the striking combination of ruby red and deep indigo, adorned with swirls and floral motifs.

I felt relaxed as we walked past the cozy cafes and little shops that were already closed for the night. The street lights cast warm glows onto the ancient cobblestones under our feet as we rounded the corner and the hotel came into view. I was looking forward to a good night's sleep, but I still needed to figure out my next move regarding the continuing saga of August.

"Are you thinking of running again?" Daphne asked, chuckling, as if reading my mind. Before I could respond, she added, "Because, honestly, I'd really like to stay here for a while. There's so much here I want to see."

"The idea of staying is tempting," I confessed.

"We need to go snorkeling around the coral reef and then visit the spice farm, for starters," Daphne said. "And don't you want to go explore one of the hidden beaches? Remember, the guys don't know where we're staying, plus we can always sneak out in the morning, if they do."

"Just like we snuck out for the game drive in Kenya," I pointed out. "They always seem to find us."

Daphne laughed, brushing off the concern. "They're harmless. It's the Scum and Turd types you should worry about."

"Kenny and Denny," I corrected her with a chuckle, recalling our less-than-graceful admirers.

"There certainly is something macho about a man in purple Crocs," Daphne smirked. "I mean, out of all the colors they could have chosen."

Our laughter echoed softly off the walls as we entered the Park Hyatt, the cool air of the lobby washing over us. My jovial mood and smile faded, however, as we passed the lounge. There, sprawled comfortably in two of the earth tone armchairs, were August and Caleb, looking like they had been waiting there for us. Sabrina was standing nearby.

"How did you know we were staying here?" I demanded as I approached, my surprise turning quickly to annoyance.

August stood up, a calm, almost amused expression on his face.

"The picture," Caleb replied simply.

"What picture?" I retorted, my confusion clear.

August gestured to our heads. "Wait—when did you get the hats? Were you wearing those near the main stage?"

"They're called head wraps," I smirked. "And the answer is yes."

"That's why we couldn't find them!" Caleb said. "I was looking for Daphne's beautiful hair and she had it covered up!"

"Imagine that," she said with great satisfaction.

"Princess Veronica, you look gorgeous in that dress!" Sabrina interrupted, then attempted a bow that looked more like a nod with a half-curtsy. She dipped down awkwardly, her movements hesitant, as if unsure whether to commit to the full gesture. She straightened up almost immediately, her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink.

"May I hug the royalty?" Sabrina asked, her voice held a playful tone, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

I laughed, touched by her formality but eager to ease her discomfort. "I've told you before, stop being so formal with us, Sabrina. We're all friends here." I gave her a hug. "I can't believe you're here as well. What happened to the safari?"

She smiled. "We stole a ride on August's private jet."

"I still don't understand how you found us," I said. "What picture were you talking about?"

"The one Daphne texted me," Caleb said, pulling out his phone and showing me a photo.

I studied the image of Daphne and me, each of us holding a drink, our smiles wide and carefree. "I saw this picture too, and I didn't think it would give anything away."

Sabrina chimed in, her voice a mix of apology and mischief. "That might be my fault. I noticed the ‘PH' on the glasses and mentioned to Caleb that I knew it was the initials of the Park Hyatt Hotel, since we stayed at the Park Hyatt in Milan for our anniversary. Caleb searched online and found out there's only one Park Hyatt in all of Africa, and here we are."

I shook my head, amused. "Just a bunch of amateur sleuths. Either way, it's good to see you, Sabrina. I felt guilty leaving without saying goodbye, but I promise I was going to track you down in Slovenia."

Sabrina smiled. "I believe you, Your Highness. I mean, Veronica."

I chuckled. "Where's Simon?"

"He's sound asleep already. You can see him tomorrow, unless you're planning on running away again." Sabrina's eyes twinkled with playful suspicion.

"I'm just going to put it out there right now that if Veronica runs again, I'm going to tell August exactly where she is going, so I can ride on the jet with him," Daphne said.

"You've got yourself a deal," August said to her with a grin.

"Traitor," I said, giving her my best stern look.

"I have my needs," Daphne said, then quickly held up a finger to silence Caleb when he grinned and was about to comment. "Settle down, cowboy. By the way, where are you guys staying?"

"Here, of course," August answered. "We have a suite on the top floor right next to yours."

"Nothing surprises me anymore," I said.

"Maybe not, but you are going to like this." He closed his hand gently around mine. "Could you all excuse us for a moment? There's someone I want you to meet, Veronica."

"What are you doing?" I asked, annoyed and eyeing him skeptically as he led me away from everyone.

"Trust me," he reassured, guiding me to a corner of the lounge where a tall African woman turned to face us with a surprised smile on her face.

She wore a long white cotton dress elegantly embroidered with gold and red patterns, complemented by a sheer shawl draped over her shoulders.

"Princess Veronica of Kastonia, I would like to introduce you to Abena Osman." August gestured to me, then to the woman. "Abena is from Egypt."

Abena bowed gracefully, her voice warm and inviting. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. Prince August has told me so much about you."

I was taken aback, not sure why August would share details of my life with someone I'd never met. Especially a stranger from Africa.

"The pleasure is mine," I managed, still puzzled.

August's voice was eager as he explained, "Abena works with the Cairo Agriculture Department. You have a lot in common."

Abena nodded, the eagerness in her eyes compelling. "I would love to pick your brain, if you don't mind. I'll be attending a wedding tomorrow, but I'm free the day after. I promise I won't take much of your time. Maybe we could meet here in the lounge at four in the afternoon for some chai tea and a chat."

I nodded, knowing I could not say no. "I can do that. I'll see you here."

"You're an angel," Abena beamed, then bowed again. "I look forward to it."

She gave me her business card and we exchanged numbers before we said goodbye, then August and I turned to rejoin the group.

After a few steps, I pulled him to a stop and poked him lightly in the ribs. "You orchestrated that little meet-up just to keep me around, admit it."

He flashed a roguish grin, his eyes alight with playful scheming. "Guilty as charged. But, come on, nothing gives you more pleasure than helping someone. And it just happens to be in your field of expertise."

"And how did you meet Abena?" I asked.

He grinned. "It was fate, obviously."

"Fate," I echoed. "You think you're quite the strategist, don't you?"

August chuckled. "Occasionally, I make the right moves."

"Whatever you say." I rolled my eyes, then continued to walk to the others, stopping in front of Daphne and sighing. "You got your wish. We'll be staying for at least a couple more days. No more running." I glanced at August. "For now."

Daphne threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me off balance with her enthusiastic embrace. "Oh, thank you!"

"Don't thank me, thank our resident puppet master here," I said.

August pretended to tip an imaginary hat. "Just a gentle nudge in the right direction. Nothing wrong with that."

I scoffed. "If you say so …"

As I met August's gaze, a shiver of uncertainty ran through me. Staying in Zanzibar was going to be anything but predictable.

Caleb joined in the excitement. "This is great news."

Sabrina clapped her hands, her voice bubbling with delight. "Yes, it is! The adventures we're going to have together, this time without animals. You won't regret it."

I certainly hoped she was right, but judging by the mischievous look on August's face, something told me he had another trick or two up his sleeve.