“Show me the pool”

Trying to regain control of the situation, Alex assumes a commanding, imperial attitude and says, “Yes, I have heard there is a problem with one of the pools, Miss....?”

“M’laylu,” she answers nervously. “Not your private pool, Your Highness? I just tended to that myself this morning! I assure you it is immaculate and exactly as you prefer.”

“Show me,” commanded Alex, feeling sorry for this woman, who obviously lived in fear of retaliation for doing anything that might displease her royal employers.

“Of course, Your Highness,” she said, bowing before leading the way.

Alex took in the sights as they went through the corridors. He noticed the nervous, frightened glances M’laylu kept casting in his direction. He wanted to calm her fears but did not want to create suspicion by acting out of character.

“Did you notice anything out of the ordinary when you tended to my private pool?” he asked.

“Nothing I can think of, Your Highness. The table that was broken during the last party has been repaired, and the new filter for the hottub has been installed — this one guaranteed to handle champagne instead of water.”

They arrive at their destination, and Alex has to fight not to reveal his surprise. His “private pool” is twice the size of an Olympic-sized pool. He counts four separate hot tubs surrounding it, and sure enough, one of them appears to be filled to sparkling champagne!

He walks around, taking it all in. He stops near one of the many reclining lounge chairs and inspects a large covered decorated bowl. Thinking it must contain candy, he lifts the cover and finds it brimming with condoms.

M’laylu gasps. “Of course! I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness! I neglected to inform you! I know you have made it clear you do not like to use them, but your father was most insistent.”

Alex holds one of the condoms in his hand and fingers the packaging thoughtfully.

“But if Your Highness would prefer a different brand or style, I’m sure that would be acceptable,” she says helpfully. “I gladly offer myself if Your Highness wishes to evaluate them for his pleasure.”

“What kind of a life does this guy have?” Alex thought to himself again. “Who gets to live this way, where women just offer themselves for testing condoms?” Then, with realization, he thought, “I guess I do for the moment, anyway.”