“This is a lot to believe,” Maaz said speculatively. “One would wonder how village men knew Nouri was a princess.”
Leave it to Maaz to find a flaw in their story. Leighton held her breath as she eyed Owen.
“Got me,” Apollo said. “Wouldn’t surprise me, though, if the same man who left the princess and myself on the side of the road to be eaten by lions put word out to locals that they could make some quick cash.” He shrugged.
Yes. Yes, that made sense. It even sounded legitimate. She swallowed, silently begging Maaz to believe them.
The crown prince’s gaze probed Owen, then Leighton, her heart pounding so loud she was sure all the wildlife in the park would hear it. Finally, he nodded. “Perhaps.” He started walking, indicating for them to follow. “Rest. And maybe we should send you both back to Jeddah first thing in the morning. For both safety and health concerns.”
“No.” Leighton flinched at her quick rejection. Her breath stalled in her throat, the plan for Omen to come for them tomorrow completely upended if they were sent back in the morning. When she saw Maaz’s scowl, she stiffened. “I—Dr. Abeni said Mr. Apollo should rest.”
“This night has been most regrettable,” Prince Maaz said, his expression wrapped in cordiality and…something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. “What happened out there is inexcusable, and I would understand if you felt it safer to return Nouri to the palace.”
Her heart pounded as Owen—she really needed to just stick with Apollo so she remained focused on why he was really here: to get her out—again considered her. To be fair—Omen hadn’t agreed to her suggestion. And returning did make sense. But could they risk it? Besides, returning to Jeddah right now somehow felt like a giant step backwards.
“I should rest tomorrow. No travel. My head can’t take it. We’ll see about the final day later.” As he eyed her, Apollo shook his head. “I think Nouri has been enjoying the safari, and I would not want her angry with me if I cost her the Serengeti as well.” Hand held to her, he angled toward the tent. “If you’ll excuse us…”
“The princess can stay with me,” Rayan insisted.
“Yeah, I don’t think so,” Apollo said curtly, pulling her toward himself as he seemed to grow several inches. “Sorry, but after what happened tonight, I’m not taking any chances.”
Rayan jerked straight and scowled. “Is that an accusation?”
“Call it what you want. For me, it’s a reality check,” Apollo countered as he walked backwards toward their tents. “No guide should leave two tourists in the reserve at night to be killed by the wildlife,” he noted. “It’ll take a lot to convince me that his abandoning us wasn’t intentional.” He gave them a clipped nod. “Since the king has tasked me with her protection, Nouri stays with me. That includes tomorrow.”
When Rayan glowered at Apollo and started forward, the crown prince swung a hand in front of his cousin, stopping him. Leighton wanted to kiss Maaz’s feet.
Owen gave a sharp nod. “Night, Your Highnesses.” He motioned her onward.
The fifty paces to her tent were the longest ones of her life. Leighton did not breathe easy again until they were inside and Apollo lowered the canvas flap, giving them a modicum of privacy.
“I can’t believe that actually worked,” Leighton whispered with a giggle as she shoved her hands into her hair. “That look he gave you—I thought for sure he’d punch you or something.”
“Half expected him to.” Apollo gingerly lowered himself to the couch and hissed a groan.
Guilt harangued her at the obvious pain in his tense posture. She hurried to him. “What can I do?”
“Nothing, I just need to not…move.” He sagged back and let out a long moan.
“I was so scared Maaz was going to mess up?—”
“What?” Owen gave her a stiff look, reminding her that this place wasn’t likely secure, that there might be bugs. “Our plans to sleep in?”
Her laugh was hollow, and she couldn’t help it as she joined him on the couch, folding her legs up under her.
“Like I told Maaz—food and rest. No change in plans.”
Just as Dante had warned them. Which meant if nothing happened tomorrow, then they would fly out the next morning to the final stop on the safari. “Can I confess to a smidgen of relief that I get to see the Serengeti?” Her selfishness screamed across her conscience. “I’m a terrible person—that lion nearly killed you, you were mortally wounded?—”
Apollo barked a laugh, then grunted, lightly touching his chest. “I have no mortal wounds.”
“Still, it’s terrible of me to be excited to see?—”
“Nouri, stop,” he said, landing a hand on her knee. “I’m glad you have something to look forward to.” Some strange thing rippled through his features, tugging his gaze down, away.
“Thanks. I guess I just got scared when Maaz suggested sending us back right away. Not because—” She almost did it again. “Well, you know.”
He nodded. “Yeah. Besides, I hope plans don’t change because…” He swiped a hand over his mouth and winced at the stitches along his jaw.
