Try to distract her

“I’d watch out about doing any kind of interview, Alex.” Smithers’ voice through the communicator only echoes what Alex has already been thinking. As much as he has tried to absorb every bit of information about K’han, it’s evident that Vienna knows some details about the prince that were not in his MI6 file. Sitting down for an in-depth interview would risk exposing him for the fraud that he is.

A knowing smile forms on Vienna’s lips. “I can tell you aren’t too keen on the interview, Your Highness. I understand.... Don’t worry about it; I’m sure you won’t be too badly embarrassed with the story I will go with. Surely it won’t be news to your father about the orgies aboard your private jet, the time you filled a hot tub with champagne and three Playboy models, or the rumors about just how close you are to a few of your father’s concubines?”

Alex is still imagining the sight of three Playboys models in a champagne-filled hot tub, when Smithers’ voice interrupts his thoughts once again. “Alex — If the king gets involved in this, you’re really going to be in trouble. That would be absolutely disastrous.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” thinks Alex to himself. Making a decision, he decides to switch tactics, hoping to distract Vienna from the interview and the tabloid story. Drawing on his knowledge of K’han, he projects an attitude of cocky self-confidence, even while inwardly quaking in his boots.

“You make a persuasive argument, Vienna. Perhaps we could go discuss this in a somewhat more intimate setting?” His eyes bore suggestively into Vienna’s.

Vienna appears calm and very sure of herself. She smiles briefly and takes a drink, as if contemplating the suggestion. “Somehow I think that answering my questions is not the first thing on your agenda.”

Alex shrugs. “There are other ways of learning things than through an interview.”

“If you are referring to what it is that attracts all these women into your bed, I think I know the answer already, Your Highness. Money and power are great aphrodisiacs.” Her words and tone of voice seem dismissive, but Alex thinks he detects a gleam in her eyes that suggest she is more than a little interested.

“I would not presume I could influence a woman such as yourself with something as unworthy as gifts or promises of influence. You are much like me, Vienna; you are strong and determined. I admire that very much.” He reaches across the table and takes her hand in his. “You say you want to get to know more details about me. Well, I would certainly enjoy getting to know you better.” He gestures to the restaurant around them. “This hardly affords us the most relaxed of settings, does it?”

Vienna takes her time contemplating the prince’s words. Finally, she says, “Very well.... On the condition that you open up and tell me something worthwhile.”

“Oh, I assure you, Vienna, you will be most pleased with what you receive from my lips,” responds Alex, with a slow wink.

“Nice line, Dude!” says Smithers. “I’m going to have to remember that one!”

Alex makes a mental note to tell the agent to back off with the running commentary at the earliest opportunity.

“So... Where do you have in mind for this ‘more intimate setting’?” asks Vienna.