Chapter 15

The Next Day …

Daphne and I sat on our suite's balcony, soaking in the rhythmic crash of ocean waves below. We recapped our day so far—a hearty buffet breakfast followed by a stroll along the shore, then a fascinating tour of a spice farm nestled in the lush Masingini forest outside Stone Town. As someone passionate about agriculture, I reveled in the chance to connect with such fertile land.

Throughout the tour, my exchanges with August had subtly mended some of the distance between us, nudging us closer to the ease we used to share. It felt both comforting and unsettling at the same time.

Daphne leaned back in her chair and cradled her third cup of coffee of the day, her eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity as she glanced over at me without speaking.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"I don't know … I guess it's just really great to see you and August talking again," she began, pausing to sip her coffee. "Before you know it, you two will be just like old times. Completely inseparable."

I sighed, a smile tugging at my lips as I gazed out at the ocean's restless waves. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I appreciate what he did to get my purse back, and I'll admit I'm seeing things in a different light, but I still have to consider what's best for me. Choosing to be with him isn't a decision to be taken lightly. It isn't just about love. It would mean becoming the future queen of Verdana."

Daphne set her cup down with a gentle clink. "But you were prepared for that exact scenario when you were engaged to Oliver. It would have been the same outcome, queen either way, but this time you'd be with the right king."

"How do you know?" I countered. "The marriage of convenience with Oliver stripped away the emotional complications. It was like a partnership or even a business transaction. With August, it's different. Love brings feelings, expectations ... which complicate everything."

Daphne nodded slowly, processing my words. "Maybe, but doesn't love also make the hard parts more bearable? If you're going to be queen and have descendants, wouldn't you rather it be with someone you truly love?"

Her question lingered in the air, heavier than the humid breeze wafting across our balcony. I pondered her point. The reality that perhaps facing challenges with someone I loved, let alone making the babies, could make things easier.

"Love might make some things easier," I admitted, folding my arms across my chest. "But it also makes it harder to think with my head versus my heart. I can't let my guard down completely—not yet."

Daphne reached across the small table that separated our chairs, her hand briefly squeezing mine. "I get that. Just don't close your heart off to the possibility, Veronica. Sometimes, what's best for you might also be what's hardest to admit."

Daphne's perspective held more truth than I had allowed myself to acknowledge. Still, there were some loose strings, some things even she didn't know, like the confession he had.

"There's also something he hasn't told me," I shared.

Daphne turned to me. "Do you know what it is?"

I shrugged. "I don't have a clue, but he said it was a confession, which means it was obviously something he did. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but I can't get it out of my head."

"We also can't ignore all the things he's been doing for you. How many times has he saved your life now?" Daphne leaned back with a grin, her chair creaking slightly under the shift of weight.

That made me chuckle. "Letting me borrow his swim trunks or getting my purse back from a ten-year-old kid hardly counts as saving my life, although I felt horrible that he got injured."

"He's going to great pains to do anything and everything for you, which is always a good thing," Daphne persisted, her voice playful yet pointed. "I forgot to ask you if you had the dream again last night."

I nodded. "Every night like clockwork. If only real life were that simple."

In my ever-recurring dream, August and I had a blissful marriage with three children—two girls and a boy—who filled our days with joy and our hearts with love. Each time, the dream painted a life so vivid and touching, it seemed my subconscious was telling me not to give up on what might be.

Daphne smiled softly, understanding my internal struggle. "Sometimes life surprises us in ways we can't anticipate. Maybe your dream isn't as far off as you think."

Her words were meant to comfort but only made my heart race a bit faster. Shifting gears, I decided to touch on something that had been on my mind.

"Speaking of relationships, what's happening with you and Caleb?" I asked. "Was that a kiss on the bus or not?"

Daphne shrugged nonchalantly at first, but then her lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Maybe not, but I wanted it to be."

I leaned closer, intrigued. "Are you really interested in my brother?"

"Yes, more than I care to admit," she confessed, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I'm definitely in exploration mode. Yesterday, we talked a lot."

Although the thought of Daphne with Caleb still felt slightly odd, the potential reassured me because they both were genuine people with good hearts.

"It might be a little weird at first seeing my brother with you, but I think you'd be great together," I said. "Caleb is fiercely loyal. I respect him more than just about anyone I know. He would never leave you, like August left me."

Daphne nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You know, you really haven't given August a chance to explain his side of things. There might be more to the story than you think." She patted me on the leg. "For now, you need to hustle. Be downstairs in ten minutes to meet Abena."

Descending to the lounge, I was a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Today wasn't about leisure; it was about my passion—agriculture.

Settling into the cozy lounge chair, I pulled out my phone to check the time, and just then, a text from Abena popped up. She said was running a little late, which gave me a moment to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the ocean waves nearby. I ordered two chai teas, hoping they'd be ready by the time she arrived.

Moments later, Abena entered the lounge, her elegant gold kaftan fluttering slightly as she hurried over. Despite her brisk pace, there was a graceful air about her.

"I'm terribly sorry for the delay, Your Highness," she apologized with a slight bow, looking flustered.

I waved off her apology with a smile. "Really it's fine, Abena. And please, just call me Veronica." I gestured towards the steaming cups on the table. "I ordered chai tea for us."

"That's perfect, thank you," she said, her smile widening as she took a seat. She set her phone on the table, a serious yet warm look crossing her face. "I might have to take a call—if it comes, I promise it'll be quick. It's just for an issue I am trying to resolve with a big event. It would be rather rude to be on the phone while having tea with the Princess of Kastonia."

I chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Tell me, how was the wedding yesterday?"

"It was wonderful, truly emotional," Abena responded, her eyes lighting up. "A good friend's daughter got married. It was a beautiful celebration."

"That sounds lovely," I replied. "Are Zanzibari weddings similar to Egyptian weddings?"

"Very much so," she nodded. "Lots of dancing, delicious food—sambusa, kebabs, biryani. And interestingly, sometimes guests even get takeaway food boxes to enjoy later."

"You're kidding!" I exclaimed, amused.

"Not at all," she laughed. "We had the leftovers for lunch today. Oh, and each table even had its own cake!"

"I love that idea," I commented, genuinely intrigued. "Sounds like a celebration I would have enjoyed."

"We have quite a bit in common," Abena noted, shifting the conversation. "We both pursued master's degrees in agriculture, mine in Cairo and yours in Copenhagen. Plus, we both have younger brothers."

I nodded. "You've done your homework. Anything else?"

"Yes—we both share a rebellious streak against arranged marriages in the family," Abena added with a chuckle.

"Okay, now I am dying to hear your story, if you don't mind sharing."

"Don't mind at all," she said. "My parents had chosen a man for me, one solely based on his financial status. I told them I didn't care about how much he had in the bank, and that I would only marry for love."

"I like you already," I said with a grin. "I told my parents the same thing. How did your parents respond?"

"They kicked me out of the house," Abena said with a casual shrug. "Then I proved that I did not need their help to have a happy and fulfilling life. I enrolled in the university, got my master's degree, made a name for myself in the agricultural industry, and then eventually fell in love with a humble and handsome orange farmer I met at a conference. He now earns far more than the man they had wanted me to marry. Darius is the love of my life."

"That is wonderful," I said. "And what do your parents think now?"

"The only thing they talk about these days is wanting grandchildren," she said with a laugh.

"Why am I not surprised?" I said with a smile, then froze. "Oh, no …"

"What's wrong?" Abena asked.

"Two men from the other night just came in," I said. "They wouldn't leave me and Daphne alone. I want to apologize to you in advance, in case they say something completely inappropriate."

Abena smiled. "Don't worry about me. I know how to handle men like that."

"Well, if it isn't the beach beauty and her mysterious new friend," Scum drawled, his eyes gleaming as he sauntered over. "Did you miss us?"

As much as I miss a migraine …

"We were in the middle of a conversation," I said, trying to keep my composure. "If you'll excuse us."

"Is that how it's going to be?" Turd chimed in, winking as he leaned closer. "Your knight in shining armor isn't around today, huh? Who's your friend?"

I bit back a sharper retort. "She's not interested. Please leave."

"Let her speak for herself," Scum said, then he eyed Abena. "Hey, gorgeous … are you single and ready to mingle?"

Abena stood up, her demeanor as cool as ice, but her eyes were fiery.

"Whoa!" Turd said, glancing up at her. "You're a tall one."

"Gentlemen—and I use that term lightly," she began, her sarcasm sharp enough to cut steel. "First, it's bad manners to interrupt. And second, it's even less polite to ask such personal questions to a stranger. I'm happily married to the chief of police. Interested in a tour of the jail cells? I hear they're quite cozy this time of year."

Scum and Turd exchanged a glance, their earlier bravado deflating like a punctured balloon.

"Uh, no, well … we didn't mean any harm," Scum stammered. "In fact, I confused you with someone else."

"We were just on our way out, actually," Turd added with a wince.

"Good evening, then," Abena said crisply, then watched them scurry out before turning to glance at me. "Now, where were we?"

I couldn't help but smile at Abena. "Remind me never to get on your bad side. I was even scared."

Abena chuckled, settling back into her chair. "Don't worry, Veronica. I save that side for special occasions."

"I'm confused, though…" I tilted my head to the side. "I thought you said your husband is an orange farmer."

She smirked. "He is."

We shared a laugh and continued to chat as we drank our chai, feeling as though we'd known each other for years rather than hours. Then her phone rang. She apologized and stepped away to take the call. A minute later, she returned with a frown.

"Bad news?" I asked.

"Not earth shattering, but yes, it's an unfortunate issue we cannot solve at the moment," she admitted. "I'm tempted to ask for your help, but we just met, and you're also on vacation …"

"What's the problem?" I asked. "I would love to help, if I can."

Abena hesitated, then explained. "There's a major exhibition coming at the end of the week, and we're in a bit of a bind. It's the Cairo AG Expo, and it is one of the largest agricultural events in the world, with normally a hundred-thousand attendees over the weekend."

I nodded. "I've never attended, but I have definitely heard of it."

"It's an amazing event, with seminars, panels, demonstrations, and hundreds of exhibitors with every type of product imaginable for farmers," she said. "One of our well-known speakers on the showcase panel just fell ill, and we're scrambling to find a replacement."

I felt a spark of enthusiasm I hadn't expected as Abena detailed the conference's focus and how much of it was very similar to my expertise, and even my upcoming project with the International Grain Coalition. I couldn't help thinking it was fate that brought us together in Zanzibar.

"That's definitely something I'm passionate about," I said as Daphne and Caleb entered the lounge, followed by August, Sabrina, and Simon.

"I can see your friends have just arrived and are waiting for you," Abena noted as they all took their seats on the other side of the lounge and waited for me to finish. "Do you need to go? I would love to tell you more about the expo."

"They'll wait for me," I said with a smile. "What's required of the panelists?"

"Not much at all—we would just need your expertise during the two-hour program in the main pavilion," Abena answered. "You would be required to answer questions from the audience with the other three speakers. That's it."

"That's not a big-time commitment at all," I mused aloud. "Perhaps I could just fly to Cairo to attend the expo and then plan for a quick return before my friends miss me."

Abena brightened at the suggestion. "That would be absolutely fantastic. Do you think your friends would mind?"

I shrugged. "I guess there's only one way to find out. Excuse me for just a moment."

As I approached the group, Daphne immediately asked, "Are you ready for the walking tour?"

I hesitated, the buzz of my conversation with Abena dominating my thoughts. "Actually, I have been presented with a unique proposition, and I'm thinking of saying yes. But it would mean that I would have to leave Zanzibar in the morning and be gone for a couple of days."

August's gaze was intense, yet he remained silent.

"Relax—it's not what you think," I told him. "I'm not trying to run off again. It's a great opportunity to speak at an agriculture expo in Cairo. The speaker they had lined up just canceled on Abena, and she asked if I'd be willing to fill in. Would you all be terribly upset if I left to fill in for that speaker? I promise to be back as soon as possible."

Daphne perked up. "Cairo? There is no way you're going without me! I've always wanted to see the pyramids and take a boat down the Nile River."

"And I've been dying to walk like an Egyptian," Caleb added with a grin. "Besides, someone needs to watch over my sister while August is fighting off sharks with his bare hands."

Abena approached carefully and cleared her throat. "I'm sorry to barge in on your conversation, but I just thought of something. We've got a block of suites reserved at the Four Seasons Hotel, right on the waterfront of the Nile River. You're all welcomed to join Veronica, as my guests. I would arrange for the flights as well."

"That's not necessary," August said.

"Oh …" I turned to him, feeling a little deflated. "You don't want to go?"

"Of course I do," he said, then grinned. "But we already have the transportation lined up and are ready to leave at any time."

I lunged at him and gave him a hug. "Thank you."

"Flying in the royal jet?" Daphne said. "Count me in!"

"Okay, three down and two to go …" I turned to Sabrina and Simon. "What about you two? Fancy a brief trip to Cairo? I've really been enjoying your company, and I'd hate for it to end here."

Simon rubbed his neck. "That is tempting, but I think it's best if we decline the offer. These old bones prefer a slower pace."

"I agree, plus we went on a Nile River cruise just last year," Sabrina said. "We'll soak up some more Zanzibar sun, if you don't mind."

"Can't argue with that," August nodded. "I can arrange for your flights back to Slovenia whenever you are ready. And don't worry, your suite's booked for the entire week. Enjoy it."

Sabrina smiled warmly. "We certainly will, and we'll try not to get in trouble. Thank you so much for your kindness. Just make sure you all visit us in Slovenia as soon as you get the opportunity, so we can return the favor."

"You can count on it," I assured her.

"So, that's a yes, then?" Abena asked, hope flashing in her eyes.

"Absolutely," I replied, my excitement barely contained.

"Wonderful!" she said.

Daphne was practically bouncing off the walls with her own euphoria. "This is going to be epic. Pyramids, here we come!"

I laughed, swept up in the thrill of our next unexpected adventure. "This has been one wild week, I have to say. From the safari, to the beaches of Zanzibar, and now off to the sands of Giza."

"I can't wait to see what surprises are in store for us next," Caleb said.

With a wry smile, August replied, "Let's just hope it doesn't involve any more police stations or dangerous encounters with wildlife."