The halls echoed at the clinking of my heels. I was late, again! The day had not started on the best note. I had arrived late to the council meeting, earning myself enough disapproving glares from the members. Several of them already disapproved of my status as the next heir to the throne. My gender and young age contributing to their reservations. I was already disadvantaged in that front and arriving late had certainly not made me any new friends.

The only thing that kept their mouths shut about my tardiness, was the seat I occupied. My fathers' throne. The intimidating seat reminded them of my position. Father had given me permission to use it when I chaired the council in his absence. "You will rightly occupy it soon my dear, its good you get some practice before then" he had said. 

I glanced at my watch again. Having been raised by a mother who valued punctuality, I was well versed in time etiquette. Well, knowing of it and actually practicing it were two different things. However, I was an hour late, even for me that was a new low. The council meeting had dragged on forever and I wasn't sure if my friends were still waiting for me. I burst through the back doors of the palace and crouching down, I removed my shoes. I hadn't had time to change after the meeting and walking through a garden with stilettoes would be nothing but a nuisance.

I meandered through the well-manicured bushes, the soft grass caressing my feet. I passed an array of fountains, through the flower garden and came to a halt in front of the small garden gate. I pushed it open and slid in.

My favorite spot in the palace. Tall pine trees shaded one side of the garden, the soft grass easily gave way to the white sand that led to the ocean. A picturesque gazebo sat under the shade of the pine trees overlooking the vast blue waters. In it sat Ryan whose eyes were fixed on Halima who stood a few feet from him, conversing through the phone pressed to her ear. I strode towards them. Ryan sensed my approach, he gave me a slight nod and continued watching her.

"Hey," I sunk into an empty lawn chair. "Sorry, I'm late."

"Hey, no problem. Nora sent one of the maids with some snacks. Halima hasn't even touched hers yet," he gestured to a piled plate of brownies, "she's been on that phone since we came here."

I grabbed myself a piece of the chocolatey treat. "What's going on? She looks upset."

"Her brother was expelled." He said pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Again? That's like the third time this term."

"I know, I'm worried about her." He took a sip of his pipping hot tea and continued watching her. Looking closely, I noticed a lone tear escape her eye, she quickly wiped it. Ryan was by her side in an instant. He pulled her gently into an embrace then pried the cellphone from her dainty fingers. He placed it against his ear, spoke in hushed tones then ended the call. After a few moments of cradling each other, they walked back into the gazebo.

"Hey, Niq." Said Halima, taking her seat.

"Hey, are you alright?"

"I've been better. Khalid got expelled again. Fatima is at her wit's end. He's been pulling some disappearance acts on her. I don't know what to do anymore." She smiled at Ryan who had just finished pouring her a cup of tea. "Thank you, babe...I think I will have to go home."

Ryan and I both sat up at the news. "Hal, you can't travel in your condition." He said.

"Well, I don't have much choice babe. You heard Fatima over the phone. I need to go and help her." She whispered.

"I understand, but remember what Dr. Johnson said last week. You are on partial bed rest and absolutely no long distance travel." He placed a hand over hers.

"What if he came here?" They both turned to look at me. "Yeah, we can enroll him to any school here, that way you get to stay and Fatima catches a break."

"That's an amazing idea," said Ryan.

"Start school here, oh wow. I hadn't thought of that."

"Maybe a change of scenery will do him some good." I continued.  "Just say the word and I will give the order to prepare his Visa."

"Wow, that might actually work." Said Halima, gaze lost in the vast ocean. "Isn't it too much though? You've done so much for us already. Besides you are under so much scrutiny lately, being the heir apparent and all, won't using your power for personal favours get you in trouble?" She turned to look at me.

"Honey, being next in line for the throne has its advantages and one of them is issuing Visa's at a whim, trust me, it's all within my domain."

"Thank you. It's awfully kind of you. I will call my sister in a little while." Halima took a sip of her tea and closed her eyes to savour the taste. "Mmmh...this lemon tea is hitting places I never thought possible."

Ryan and I exchanged an amused glance. "Our meal times are R rated these days, the moaning is getting more expressive, you should hear her when she gets a hold of a rack of ribs. It's glorious!...Ouch!" Ryan pulled away just before Halima landed a second punch on his bicep. "Babe, no hitting!"

"You are making fun of me." She let a pout form on her lips.

"No, I was saying I'm enjoying hearing you eat. That's a compliment my love." He leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips. She kissed him back, the pout disappearing. They pulled back and stared into each other's eyes, silent communication passing between them. The exchange brought up a loneliness and longing that had taken up residence within me since Joe dropped from the face of the earth.

"Anyway, what's been up with you kid, we haven't seen you since the wedding." Halima's words brought me back from the darkness that clouded me every time I thought of Joe.

"A lot, I have taken over most of fathers responsibilities. Let's just say its too much work. I am actually glad that I get a two-week break."

"Speaking of, is the honeymoon official?" Ryan regarded me, his hazel eyes darkening.

"Yes, we leave in an hour. Truth be told, I had been dreading this moment but Mario has been so kind to me. He hasn't pushed me in any way, he agreed to sleep in different rooms. We hardly even ever see each other, he spends most of his days working in Kitusburge, while I'm locked away in the office. We only make sure to have breakfast together, his request. I, however, don't know how long I can expect him to give me space. He is a kind soul, I don't want to break his heart, what if I never get over Joe?" I finished my rant, suddenly aware of their worried stares.

"Niq, we can't tell you what to do, but we know someone who can help." Ryan broke the silence. "Can we pray with you?"

"Certainly, I need all the help I can get." We bowed our heads and he led us into prayer.

*******

"Your Royal Highness, his Grace, we are about to start our descent." The pilot's voice spoke through the intercom. I sat up and peeped through the window, trying to make out where we were. Mario chuckled at my efforts. It was useless, the sky was pitch black, and the overjoyed man sitting across from me had kept all the information about the honeymoon to himself. A few minutes later, the airplane started descending, this part always gave me anxiety. Mario noticed the fear on my face and unbuckled his seatbelt. He crouched in front of me and cupped my sweaty hands in his.

"What are you doing? The seatbelt sign is on." I said.

He shook his head, eyes locked with mine. "Just focus on me, you'll be fine." He squeezed my hands in his. I knew what he looked like, I mean, I'd crossed paths with him on several occasions before our engagement and now that we were married, I snuck a glance here and there. I, however, had never seen what I was seeing now; the man was beautiful! Dark eyebrows, long lashes, a lean nose ending with symmetrical nostrils, supple pink lips, a chiseled chin that held neatly trimmed sideburns and cheekbones that completed the art worthy look. The part that drew me in was the eyes, deep brown ones that swirled with unexplainable emotion. Eyes that you could easily get lost in.

"Welcome to Kenya your majesties, the home of the Masai Mara, the Wilder beast migration, white sandy beaches and many more. Enjoy your honeymoon." Said the pilots' voice breaking me out of my trance.

"What? Where, how?"

"You did great, Love. We've landed." Said Mario, picking himself up, he slumped on his seat.

I looked around to see the air hostess unloading our bags. Our security guys who had been occupying the other six seats were already alighting. Then it clicked. "Did the pilot say Kenya?" I asked.

"Yeah, surprise!" Said Mario, bright smile lighting his countenance. Though that smile quickly faded as he watched for my reaction. Maybe he expected excitement, a little curiosity. I had none of those, all I could remember was; Joe. This country would always hold a special place in my heart, that was where I'd fallen in love with him.

"You okay, Love?" He asked, solemnly.

"Kenya," I whispered.

Realization dawned on him instantly."Oh, princess, I am so sorry. I completely forgot! I am so sorry... I didn't mean to cause you pain... We can leave, we don't have to stay."

"Mario..."

"It's no problem, I will cancel our reservations and call Nora to make us new ones, far away from here." He rose to his feet, digging into his jeans pocket to retrieve his cell.

"Mario, it's okay."

"No, it's not, I completely messed up, I'm going to fix it."

I unbuckled my seat belt and stood, reaching for his phone. He stared at me, startled, "its okay. I wasn't expecting to land here, but you've put so much time and thought into planning this, I won't let it go to waste."

"Are you sure?"

"Certain," the delightful grin spread across his face once more, sending shivers down my spine. I immediately became aware of myself, noticing just how close we stood next to each other. I hastily pulled away.

He chuckled, "you are adorable when you blush," he winked then held out his hand. "Shall we?"