Take the message and dismiss Diego

Irritated that his little game got interrupted way too soon, but also somewhat grateful to get the topic off of his alleged homosexual tendencies, Stewart takes the message from Diego’s hand and says, “That will be all, Diego. You may leave.”

He looks briefly at the folded paper and then sets it, unread, on a table before turning his attention back to Abbie. She is on her knees, forehead bowed to the floor. Stewart reaches down and places a hand under her chin to bid her to rise.

Her eyes are wide and terrified. “Your Majesty! I’m so sorry that I did not recognize you! I envisioned a much-older man! Oh, I hope you did not think —“

Stewart stops her protests with an upheld hand. “It is I who should apologize, Abbie. I’m afraid I was having a little fun at your expense. It has been a very trying day, and you afforded me my first laugh of the day!”

He quickly explains the circumstances that led to his rapid ascension to the throne. Circumstances, no doubt, that we’re responsible for the aborted orientation for Abbie as a new member of the harem.

She listens, breathlessly. Stewart can tell that she is no dummy, by any means. Her bright expression takes in his words, and as her brain immediately begins processing things, he sees her face jump from one expression to the next in rapid succession.

“Oh, you must be devestated,” she exclaims. “Losing your father so suddenly!” Her expression of concern touches him; it is actually the first true such expression of sympathy anyone has shown him that hasn’t been immediately couched with reminders of the awesome burden he just inherited.

The new king thanks the young woman for her sympathy, but he sees from her face that she is still trying to sort things out in her own mind. Suddenly, a look of shocked horror comes over her face.

“Oh, my goodness! I am so sorry!”

Stewart looks at her in bewilderment. “Sorry? Whatever for?”

Her cheeks turn bright red. “Of course you came here, looking for comfort and solace in your moment of grief, and instead of giving you what you want, I am standing here, talking foolishly!”

Despite her words, Stewart can still tell that she is uncertain about what it is that she is supposed to do. Evidently she knows what the job of a lady of the harem is, but she doesn’t know if she is supposed to make the first move, or even what that first move should look like.

He smiles at her willing eagerness and innocence.