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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.”
