Invite both men into the room

If anyone walks by and sees a soldier standing outside the prince’s door, it’s liable to raise questions. Thinking quickly, Chantelle says, “Of course, you must come in, but perhaps it would be best if both of you do.”

The two guards exchange looks, and Ivan says, “Of course.”

As they proceed into the room, Luke whispers, “What are you thinking?” Ivan, looking surprised, says, “She’s just trying to be appropriate. She doesn’t want anyone to think something happened between the two of you while you were alone and she was naked. She’s just watching out for her reputation.”

“She doesn’t give a fuck about her reputation,” retorted the guard. “She’s a whore who spent the night in a drunken romp with the prince! What does she care about her reputation?”

The men spoke quietly so as not to be overheard, but Chantelle’s acute hearing picked up every word. As she listened, she also tried to plan. The strategy for this plot consisted of her taking this form and infiltrating the palace. Unfortunately, she had not planned on clothes. Since she arrived naked, the only clothing in the room was the prince’s. If she put on men’s clothing, the guards would be suspicious. What was she to do?

Putting a hand to her head, she groaned. “I’m really feeling quite dizzy. Could the two of you help me?” She swayed unsteadily, and the two guards rushed to her side.

Putting one arm around each of their shoulders, she let her legs go limp. “Maybe if I could lay down for a moment,” she said, weakly.

The men guide her to the bed and lower her to sit on the edge. She lets herself fall back while still holding onto both of them. Already off-balance, the guards fall back with her, laying on either side of her naked body.

“This is good,” she says, weakly. “Please, just stay where you are for a minute. Holding on to you helps stop the room from spinning quite so fast.”

The guards remain where they are, held tightly by Chantelle. Luke looks delighted and is taking advantage of this proximity to carefully examine Chantelle. Ivan, for his part, looks very uncomfortable and nervous.

“You seem so tense,” Chantelle says, rubbing his shoulder. “Please relax; it helps me regain my steadiness.”

“You heard the lady,” says Luke. “What’s your hurry?”

“But Anne-Marie —“

Luke cuts Ivan off. “Your fiancée isn’t here, so stop worrying about her. Besides, you are on official business, watching over the Crown Prince’s interests and his guest.”

“So the sweet one is engaged to be married,” thought Chantelle. A new plan began to take shape in her imagination. Now the question was whether it was worth the risk to change plans at this stage in the game.