When in Rome....

As much as it offends his sensibilities, Stewart reminds himself that one of the first rules of diplomacy is to not be unnecessarily offensive. Since he and Adella are guests of Althesire, they should conform to the cultural expectations.

“Very well,” he says, “but try not to go too native. When I report on the outcome of this mission, I do not wish to have to say that my royal sister was groped by every passing stranger.”

“You worry too much, Brother!” she says, taking the loincloth and holding it up in front of her waist and looking in the mirror. “This will be quite the adventure!”

“I’m surprised that you are not more shocked by the prospect that you are,” says Stewart. “Does it not bother you to expose yourself so wantonly in front of strangers? Or in front of me, for that matter?”

Adella laughs. “It will be a bit strange, but it also seems rather liberating! I was complaining about how confined I felt, after all.”

Their visitor takes the other loincloth and steps to Stewart. “Do you wish for me to give you a handjob and make you erect and hard so I may slide your condom over your penis?”

“She’s asking if you need help getting dressed,” says Adella, not trying to hide her amusement at the situation.

Stewart is about to thank the tiger woman for the offer, but to tell her he can manage on his own, when he wonders whether refusing such an offer might be considered rude in this culture.