Chapter 16

As our private tour boat cruised up the Nile River, Daphne played the part of a nautical heroine at the bow, her arms outstretched in front of the Cairo skyline.

"It's like the Titanic scene, minus the iceberg and drama," Caleb joked.

"If only I had an honorable hero to make this romantic scene complete," Daphne smirked. "Know anyone?"

He swooped in behind her and settled his hands on her hips. "Nice to meet you. I'm Leonardo DiCaprio."

"Choose another. He dies in the end," Daphne shot back playfully, turning to give him a teasing look.

Caleb shrugged, unfazed. "Then I'll be Michael Douglas from Jewel of the Nile. Less tragic, more adventurous."

I couldn't help but smile at their antics, but what really captured my attention was Veronica's gaze. She reached out, her fingers gently touching the bandage on my arm, one of many bandages on my body from my escapade through the barbed wire when I chased the boy in Stone Town.

"Does it hurt?" she asked, compassion in her eyes.

"Much less when you're close," I confessed, the words slipping out in the moment"s honesty, even though I was sure it sounded a little cheesy.

Her fingers lingered on my skin, sending a familiar thrill through me.

"Veronica …"

"August …"

Her eyes met mine, and there was a softness there, a warmth that hadn't been directed at me in such a long time. It felt like openness, or maybe hope, flickering in the depths of her gaze.

Without thinking, I moved closer, my forehead gently leaning against hers. I closed my eyes, taking in the nearness of her, a feeling I'd deeply missed.

"I've missed this ... missed you," I murmured, the words barely a whisper against the motor of the boat and the splashing of the water.

Her breath hitched slightly. "I've missed you too, August."

Those words, simple yet profound, surged through me with unexpected joy. I hadn't realized just how much I needed to hear them until they were spoken. It was the affirmation, the mutual longing that had lingered unspoken between us for too long. And when she glanced down at my lips, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to kiss her. The kiss was soft, lingering just long enough to remind us of what we once had.

As I pulled back slightly, my hand reached up to caress her cheek while looking into her eyes. "I would do anything for you, you know."

She nodded, then glanced down at my arm. "Can you try doing it without hurting yourself?"

I chuckled. "I will try my best."

Veronica's eyes reflected a mix of anticipation and concern when she said, "Maybe this would be a good time to tell me your little secret."

I nodded. "Okay …"

Before I could confess, an interruption came booming from Caleb's direction. "I'm king of the world!"

Daphne laughed. "Sorry to break it to you, but you're just a prince."

"Just?" Caleb clutched his heart dramatically. "You wound me! One day, I will be king, and you will be my queen! Take that!"

Veronica and I both couldn't hold back our laughter. And even though my intimate moment with her had been shattered, the connection between us had been unmistakably rekindled.

"You two are making me nervous," Veronica said. "Come down from there before you fall in."

Daphne turned around and grinned as we cruised by the Cairo Opera House. "Falling in the water is August's job. He's an expert."

I sighed. "I didn't fall in, I jumped in. Big difference."

Caleb gestured to the water of the Nile. "Just don't jump in here. You'll be eaten alive by piranhas."

I shook my head in amusement. "Check your facts. Piranhas don't live in the Nile. That's a South American specialty."

Caleb came over from the bow and pulled out his phone, scrolling and tapping a few times. "Okay, looks like you're right. Watch out for pufferfish then. They have human-like teeth and are a thousand times more toxic than cyanide."

"Thanks for the warning," I said.

"Maybe we should make an August-proof checklist," Veronica suggested, playing along. "You know, to keep you out of trouble."

"Sounds dull without a little risk," I countered. "We could all use some adventure and mystery, don't you think?"

"I agree," Daphne said, stepping closer. "Speaking of mystery … can we visit the Egyptian Museum next? They've got some artifacts dating back over five-thousand years. I especially want to see the Royal Mummies Hall."

"Ooh—that gives me an idea," Veronica said with a smirk. "We can mummify August to keep him safe."

I threw my hands up in defense. "Oh, come on! You make it sound like I'm accident prone. This stuff has never happened to me before. All the trouble I have gotten into is directly connected to you, your stolen bikini bottoms, your purse …"

Caleb smirked. "And don't forget, you saved her life when that four-inch lizard tried to bite her foot off."

Veronica crossed her arms as we all laughed. "I would have no problem if you forgot that ever happened."

"That would be an impossibility," I said with a chuckle. "But back to the subject of the Egyptian museum visit. That sounds like a great idea. We can spend about three hours there before we meet Abena and Darius for dinner."

"I can't wait!" Daphne said.

Ten minutes later, we disembarked and made our way toward the museum. The facade of the building was impressive, a monumental reminder of Egypt's rich cultural heritage, which promised a treasure trove of ancient secrets dating back thousands of years.

Upon entering, the cool air inside was a welcome relief from the heat outside, and we wasted no time in heading toward the first of many fascinating exhibits that awaited us. We admired in silence the delicate jewelry, intricate carvings on wooden sarcophagi, and the wall sculptures that depicted scenes of pharaohs and gods in vibrant colors, surprisingly preserved through millennia.

"Hey, August, maybe you need one of these," Caleb said, pointing to a particularly ornate dagger. "For the next time you encounter a shark or need to chase down purse-snatchers."

I shook my head, slightly amused. "I'm never going to hear the end of it."

"Now you know how I feel about the lizard," Veronica said.

"Just trying to ensure you're well-prepared for all aspects of kingship, including the historical pitfalls," Caleb added.

Daphne, who'd been quietly examining a ceremonial tunic, looked up with a grin. "Speaking of pitfalls, did any of these guys have to deal with being arrested for wardrobe malfunctions?"

"Seriously, Daphne? You, too?" I said, then turned to Veronica. "Let's have it. Is there anything you would like to add to this enthralling conversation?"

She glanced at me with a playful sparkle in her eye. "Well, considering your recent escapades, you might want to use this museum as inspiration to start a new fashion trend for modern royalty. Maybe a line of shark-proof suits and tear-resistant trousers!"

The three of them laughed, and I couldn't help laughing with them as we moved on to the next room in the museum.

Daphne leaned closer to a detailed exhibit about the daily lives and legacies of pharaohs, her expression one of curiosity. "Do you think they worried about how they'd be remembered? Or were they too busy being royal?"

It was a great question, because it struck me profoundly how these ancient rulers had shaped history, each decision echoing through the ages. I wondered what kind of mark I would leave on the world when I became king. Would my reign be remembered for its wisdom and compassion, or would it fade into the footnotes of history like so many before me? I wanted to make a meaningful difference, committed to using my privilege for genuine good, not indulging in a lavish lifestyle or merely performing a role for public approval.

"It was a different world back then," I answered. "I suppose the genuine challenge for any ruler is balancing the weight of the crown with the need to leave a lasting, positive impact on their people and the world."

"You don't have to worry about that," Veronica said with a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting belief in her words. "You're going to be the best king Verdana has ever seen."

Her words meant the world to me, but the warmth of her hand squeezing mine, even just for a moment, truly made it feel like everything was going to be just fine.

Daphne pointed to the next room. "The Royal Mummies Hall! Let's go!"

We followed her inside and were immediately engulfed by the cooler air that was needed to preserve its ancient residents.

"So, this is what royalty looks like after a few thousand years," Caleb quipped, peering into a glass case at a well-preserved mummy.

"Kind of puts a new spin on ‘long live the king,' doesn't it?" I said.

Daphne leaned in closer, her eyes wide with fascination. "Look how tiny they all are. These guys are nowhere near the size of Egyptians today."

"And look at the age—this Pharaoh died when he was just eighteen," Veronica said. "It's hard to imagine someone that young having so much power."

"Eighteen is practically a kid by today's standards." I said. "Yet, they led nations. Makes you think about how relative age and maturity are across cultures and time."

"My cousin is eighteen, and he's still hooked on video games," Caleb said.

I chuckled. "My point exactly."

After exploring the Royal Mummies Hall for over an hour, we meandered through several other exhibits for another hour, each offering glimpses into the opulent and intricate lives of ancient Egyptian royalty.

As we lingered near a display of scepters, Veronica glanced at her watch and sighed. "I would love to spend more time here, but we need to get back to the hotel. Abena and Darius are expecting us four for dinner in twenty minutes."

"We'd better get going then," I said.

We exited the museum and hailed a taxi, squeezing in for the short ride back to the Four Seasons Hotel. Upon arrival, we entered the grand lobby and made our way to Zitouni, the hotel's renowned Egyptian restaurant known for its traditional cuisine.

As we entered the restaurant, Abena and Darius were waiting for us.

"There they are!" Abena said, rushing over and embracing Veronica warmly before introducing us to her husband.

She wore a vibrant blue kaftan embroidered with gold while Darius dressed in a sharp white kaftan. They looked regal together, as if they were royals themselves.

"It's such an honor to meet you, Your Highnesses," he said, his voice carrying a respectful tone as he gave a slight bow. "What a pleasure it is to have you here in our country."

Darius stood tall, his stature accentuated by an effortless charisma, with skin the rich hue of well-brewed coffee. His handsome features were framed by a warm, welcoming smile that put me instantly at ease.

Veronica quickly waved off the formalities as usual, "Please, as I told Abena before, call us by our first names."

"You're very kind," Darius replied, his smile broadening even more.

With introductions out of the way, a hostess approached us and gestured to the tables. "Please follow me."

The restaurant was exquisitely decorated, balancing modern elegance with traditional Egyptian flair. Golden lights illuminated the intricate mosaic tiles and lush furnishings, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Large windows framed the stunning Nile River, adding a picturesque backdrop to our dining experience.

As we settled into our seats, Darius, with an assured grin, suggested we start with his favorite local appetizers and drinks. He also recommended the stuffed vine leaves paired with grilled lamb chops for the main entrée, a choice that the server endorsed with a proud smile as he took our orders.

Once the server had left, I turned to Darius, intrigued by a piece of his life story Abena had shared with me earlier. "Abena mentioned you're an orange farmer."

Darius nodded, his eyes lighting up. "Yes, that's right. My family has been in textiles for generations, but I wanted to carve out my own path. I ventured into agriculture, specifically into citrus farming, which was quite a pivot from what everyone expected. It has been rewarding."

"He's being modest, as usual," Abena chimed in, her eyes sparkling with pride as she patted Darius's hand. "Egypt is the number one exporter of oranges in the world, and Darius isn't just any farmer—he's one of the top innovators in the industry. His techniques have revolutionized how oranges are cultivated here, making his farms among the most revered in the nation."

Darius gave a humble shrug and chuckled. "Abena loves to brag about me, but I'm the one who should be sending praises her way. There isn't a guy in the world luckier than me, to have a wife so smart, kind, and beautiful." He leaned closer and whispered. "Don't tell Abena, but she is way out of my league."

I chuckled, liking him even more. "How long have you two been married?"

"It's been five wonderful years," Abena replied, her eyes meeting Darius's with a warmth that filled the room. "And I'm the one who is fortunate here. This man is my life."

I observed them, both so comfortable and attuned to each other, as if they had been together for a couple of decades. The way they cherished each other was something I admired.

Just then, two servers returned, arms laden with hummus, tabbouleh, feta salad, yogurt with mint, and tahini. The table quickly filled with the array of colorful and fragrant food.

Caleb's eyes widened as he surveyed the spread. "Okay, this is a lot."

"Pace yourself—you need to save room for the grilled lamb chops and the dessert," Darius joked, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Over dinner, the conversation shifted naturally to Egypt's history and some things we had seen in the museum.

"It's incredible to think about," I mused. "The history here makes Verdana seem like a baby in comparison."

"And Kastonia," Veronica added.

After a sumptuous dinner and indulgent desserts, Daphne leaned back with a groan. "I can't move."

"Then it's a good thing you'll have a night to rest," Abena said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "The expo starts early tomorrow, and Veronica, your session is the first and the most anticipated of the day. But as I mentioned, you only need to commit to the two hours. To lighten the afternoon, I've also arranged for a tour of the pyramids for the four of you—it's only a forty-five-minute drive from here."

We all expressed our gratitude and excitement as we said our goodbyes for the evening, then Caleb, Daphne, Veronica, and I headed to the elevator, which whisked us up to our suites on the top floor.

"Veronica, can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked, catching her before she followed Daphne.

"Of course," she replied, her voice soft.

As Caleb disappeared into our suite and Daphne entered hers, Veronica and I were left alone in the hall.

"It was a great day," I said. "Something I'll always remember."

Veronica smiled. "I enjoyed it as much as you did."

Without another word, I pulled her in for a close hug, and she melted into my embrace. It wasn't long before our lips were met in a tender kiss.

"Now that there are no interruptions," I whispered, glancing at the doors of our suites before locking gazes with her again, "maybe this would be a good time to share what I've been meaning to tell you."

"This isn't going to be about some secret life you've been leading, is it?" she asked. "No children in South America I should be aware of?"

I chuckled. "No, I promise you, nothing like that." I gestured to the chairs by the elevator for us to sit. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage, knowing it was the right thing to do. "Okay … here we go. Before Father passed, he summoned me to his bedside for a chat. He was very clear with me. Now that he knew he was dying, my brother was next in line to be king, and he would need a queen. He was adamant that you were perfect because of your education, your strong family ties, and our nation"s alliance. He said the only option was for me to break up with you, because stepping aside was the right thing to do for the greater good of our country and yours."

Veronica's brows furrowed. "Everyone thought you were a lost soul going away to find yourself and that you ghosted me only because you couldn't cope with your father's death."

I shook my head. "That's not the truth. I was grieving his death, absolutely, but most of my pain was coming from the thought of leaving you. It broke me in two."

Veronica stood and paced a few steps, her arms crossed. "You could have told me. We could have faced this together."

"I made a promise to Father on his deathbed that I would follow his plan and not tell anyone," I said, also standing and moving toward her. "He convinced me that if I left abruptly, with a clean break and without warning, you and I would both be able to move on more easily, and then Oliver would be there to pick up the pieces. Once I had gone to South America, I knew I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I was devastated. I didn't have plans to be at your wedding, because I couldn't bear the thought of seeing my brother marry the love of my life."

Veronica sighed deeply. "You should've given me a say in the matter. Your disappearing like that made it harder, August. Every picture of you, every update on social media … it just reopened old wounds."

"Not a day passes without me regretting my decision," I admitted. "Hearing from your mother about your broken engagement was a bittersweet relief."

Veronica blinked twice. "Wait, my mother called you?"

I nodded. "That was why I suddenly returned home the same week, hoping you would understand my side of the story and why I had to leave like that. But you wouldn't listen to a word from me."

"Wow …" Veronica blinked rapidly, deep in thought.

"I don't want this to come between us," I said. "We've had a wonderful breakthrough this week and what I told you is part of the past. Still, I thought you deserved to know the truth because I didn't want you to think I just left because I didn't want to be with you or because I didn't love you anymore. You are everything to me, Veronica. Everything."

She hesitated before saying, "I need time to process all of this, August."

"I understand," I said quietly. "Take all the time you need. I'm here when you're ready to talk."

"Okay, well, good night," she said with a blank look on her face, turning toward her suite.

"Good night," I said to the back of her head.

A wave of relief mixed with fear washed over me as I watched her disappear behind her suite door. I had done the right thing by telling her the truth, but at what cost? Would she understand the position I had been in with my father, or was it possible I had just made things a lot worse by confessing?