Running Around Royal (Prince Harry #4)

Chapter Fifty-Four

In Princess Margaret's life, one of her favorite places to vacation was Rhodesia. Of course, that was the colonization name of Zimbabwe after Cecil Rhodes. After Zimbabwe gained independence, it wasn't smooth sailing. Human rights and terrorism had become hot-button issues. The government of Zimbabwe, according to Amnesty International, violated the rights to shelter, food, freedom of movement and residence, freedom of assembly and the protection of the law. There were also no rights LBGTQ+ within the country, as the old president had called "un-African" and only practiced by "a few whites" in the country. There had also been attacks on opposition leaders and protesters.

In the capital of Harare, several large airlines refused to fly into the country. Tourism had steadily dropped since the 1990s. There were things to see in Zimbabwe, like Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands with Mount Myangani, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills. In the latter, early white pioneers were buried in the site called World's View.

The royal couple drove through Harare on their way to the presidential palace, nicknamed Mugabe Mansion after the president who ruled for twenty years. The car was surrounded by military personnel, but that made Meredith feel more anxious than before. Harry kept a firm grip on his wife's hand since she was so tense.

Protestors were on the streets. Whether or not they were protesting the British family being there or the president was still unsure. Jessica didn't like the idea of coming here, but the president had asked the members of the monarchy visit. After all, this used to be one of the colonized countries.

The caravan of cars came to a halt before the presidential palace, and the royal couple was thrown forward. In front, Bill had his finger curled into the seat. Harry leaned forward. "Bill, what's going on?"

"Lean back, your highness," Bill ordered.

Meredith watched as protestors pushed against the military that lined the road. Yelling in English, Shona and Ndebele, Meredith didn't know what was going on. She understood some words in English before they were drowned out by other yells. Signs and Zimbabwe flags were flying. A bottle was thrown at the car, shattering against the bulletproof glass. A scream escaped Meredith's lips, and Harry put an arm around her.

"Bill," Harry warned.

"Drive," ordered Bodyguard Bill.

The driver shook his head. He wore the same military officer uniform. "We cannot move unless the caravan moves. We are under strict orders."

Harry didn't like this anymore than Bill, especially as protestors threw something at the car that burst into flames as it smashed. Meredith gripped Harry hard. She didn't want to say that she was weak, but she wasn't used to this bit of people throwing flaming bottles at the car or violent protests. Harry had seen war, and he went into soldier mode. Whatever the background was of Bodyguard Bill led Meredith to believe he had training.

Out of nowhere, a loud blast bounced off a building, right beside the car of the duke and duchess. The blast was so powerful that the windows cracked and the car rocked. Meredith's head slammed into the window. Screams came from outside the car as people fell on the street.

Harry's focus and Bill's focus was more on the inside of the car, where Meredith gripped the side of her head. Blood slid down her hand and onto her light-colored dress. Her head hurt, ears only heard high-pitched ringing, her eyes had black dancing dots. Her vision went in and old as the world continued to vibrate around her. She wasn't sure if it was the car or her body. Her heart thundered, ready to explode from her chest. Her stomach felt ready to empty itself.