Have some fun with her for now

Stewart realizes he is actually having fun for the first time in quite a while. Even more of a shock is the fact that he is enjoying the company of a woman and having fun, and they are both still fully clothed. He decides to extend the experience for a while.

“Well, you should probably know that the king is a pretty impressive fellow,” he says.

Abbie nods. “Of course. He’s the king, after all. Rich. Powerful. I get all of that.”

“Well, what you probably don’t know is that as impressive as the king is, the Crown Prince is really something amazing.”

Abbie’s eyebrows go up. “What do you mean?”

Stewart attempts a casual tone. “Well... and keep in mind that this is all second-hand information... They say that he has quite the way with women.”

Abbie nods. “So I’ve heard. That’s why Master Diego said I should steer clear of him and his brother.”

“Well, you should definitely steer clear of Prince Duncan,” he says. “The man is a an absolute cad. No class whatsoever. Stewart, on the other hand, is said to be the fulfillment of every woman’s desire.”

Abbie looks intrigued. “What do you mean? You mean sexual fulfillment? Because that’s strictly off-limits. It was made abundantly clear to me that only the king can lay a finger — or any other body part, for that matter — on me.”

Stewart chuckles. “Well, his sexual prowess is legendary, of course, but I’m told that it is much more than that. I’m told that Stewart has a way of making a woman feel appreciated and valued more than any other mortal.”

She looks at him skeptically. “That’s what you hear, is it? How is it that you have access to such intimate reports from the Crown Prince’s conquests? And how is it that you so casually refer to him by first name? Are you close to him?”

“Oh, you could definitely say that,” he replies. “You could safely say I know him better than anyone else.”

A look of realization comes over her face, and she says, “Oh, my goodness! I didn’t realize!”

Stewart smiles, preparing himself for her realization that she has been blessed with the company of Crown Prince — make that King — Stewart, himself.

Abbie continues. “I didn’t realize the Crown Prince was bisexual! And you must be his lover.... Oh my goodness! I hope I didn’t say anything inappropriate!”

Stewart’s face falls. “Um... No.... It’s nothing like that at all.”

Abbie continues to prattle on. “It’s all okay... My mother warned me before I left that things are different here in Central City, and that I shouldn’t be such a prude. If he — and you — like to swing that way, who am I to judge?”

“No... It’s not like that,” says Stewart, attempting to get a word in.

“I have a cousin who is sort of....” Abbie dangles her hand, as if ringing a small bell, “and everyone made fun of him, but not me! I said, ‘Geoffrey, if a woman’s charms are not enough to make you happy, then don’t settle for anything less than a man who will.”

Stewart takes a deep breath and tries again. “I’m not bisexual, Abbie.”

“Oh, I’m not suggesting you have to be, either. Who am I to say that you have to like women as well as men? I’m sure the Crown Prince is more than man enough to fill you — I mean, to fulfill you....” She blushes at the realization of her words.

“Listen,” says Stewart, raising his voice to get her attention. “I am not interested in having sex with men!”

“That’s very gratifying to hear,” says a voice, coming from the doorway. “Then we can be certain that our new king will produce an heir to the throne without any complications.”

Stewart and Abbie turn to the door and see Diego standing there, holding a piece of paper. He steps into the room and bows before handing the paper to Stewart. “Forgive the interruption, Your Majesty, but a page brought this message for you and said you would want to see it immediately.”

Stewart takes the paper, and Diego bows again before walking backwards out of the room and then departing.

Stewart casts a look at Abbie, who has finally stopped talking. She slowly rises to her feet, wide-eyed, and asks, “Your Majesty?”