Ask if he is going to do the training

Trying very hard not to look between his legs, Abbie clears her throat and asks, “And will you be the one to conduct this additional training?”

Delphan chuckles. “That’s cute. But no... When I swore allegiance to the Crown and took the assignment as keeper of the Harem, the king not only demanded my loyalty, but my testicles, as well. No man could be fully entrusted with the king’s concubines and wives unless certain steps were taken to reduce the likelihood of temptation.”

For someone who had given up something as seemingly-important as his gonads, Delphan appears to be oddly indifferent about it. It might, however, explain his unpleasant disposition, thought Abbie.

When he does not offer further explanation, she says, “May I ask who will do this training? And what the training will look like?”

“All in good time, my dear,” replies the eunuch. “We have arrived, and I must go prepare my report for His Majesty. The driver will show you to the Harem Quarters.”

Without a word of farewell and without waiting for any further questions, Delphan dismounts from the carriage and hurries off into the palace. Abbie looks around, wide-eyed, at the tall, imposing walls surrounding the courtyard.

The driver pulls Abbie’s luggage off the carriage and beckons for her to follow him. She walks in silence behind the driver, trying to drink in every new and strange sight.

They make their way down so many hallways that Abbie soon loses track of where she is. As she sees people in the hallways, she attempts a friendly smile, but it seems that everyone just gives her a strange, knowing look. Abbie self-consciously adjusts the neckline of her dress; the way everyone looks at her, she feels suddenly very insecure. “It’s as if they all know why I am here,” she thinks. “If being one of the king’s women is such an honor, then why do I feel so cheap?”

They turn yet another corner, and Abbie sees a young man approaching them. This time she doesn’t even attempt a greeting or even make eye contact. She is surprised, therefore, when the driver stops, and for the first time acknowledges any of the people whom they have met.

“Good evening, Prince Duncan,” he says, with a bow.

Abbie looks up in astonishment to see the young man with long, silver-blonde hair, standing in front of her, arms crossed, and gazing at her with an appraising smile. She quickly remembers her manners and attempts a deep curtesy and says, “Your Highness!”

“Well, well, well,” says the Prince. “A new addition to Father’s collection, eh? Please stand, Miss —?”

Abbie rises and says, “Abbie Brightstar, sir.”

Duncan steps to her and puts his hand under her chin, gently turning her face one way and then the other. She feels his eyes on her, evaluating her as if she were some item being considered for purchase.

“And from one of the outer provinces, I would guess, judging from your accent,” he says.

When Abbie nods, he asks, “And how was your journey? Those rough country roads are difficult enough without having Delphan as a conversation partner.”

Abbie can’t help but respond with a smile. After spending the last few hours in Delphan’s company, she is relieved to speak to someone who is less abrasive and who actually seems to be concerned about her comfort and well being.

“The journey went well enough,” she replied. “I understand I am in need of some training, however.”

Duncan’s eyebrows rise. “Indeed? Well, it is fortunate that I ran into you then.” He turns to the driver and says, “Take Miss Brightstar’s things to her room.”

Abbie watches the driver continue down the hallway, and she looks at the prince in surprise. If her “training” was going to look anything like what she suspected it would be, she hardly thought it would be someone like one of the king’s sons to be handling it. Then again, who was she to second guess how to conduct life within the palace.