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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.”
Chapter Sixteen
Prince August
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.
