In the past few years since he had found himself stranded on her island, Demetrius had become one of The Princess' most loyal confidants within her realm. In more recent times, however, her paranoia, he had imagined, was getting the better of her. With supposed threats to her power coming from various directions, she had come to explain his new mission; she needed him to acquire information on who might be planning what conspiracies and with whom.
He had much to thank the Princess for his life of luxury and his own power within this female dominated realm. Upon her ascension to the throne --she chose to keep the title "Princess" because it flowed much better to her ears—- she had brought him with her from the jungle where they had discovered each other. In him, she found a trusted loyal subject who matched her intellect and ambition and in her he found a powerful confidant whose passion was unrivaled.
He hadn't denied any of her requests in the past, and he played numerous roles under her leadership. From entertaining, and sometimes servicing, visiting dignitaries, to advising her on matters of state, he enjoyed the influence he wielded under her direction. And today, there was no reason to resist anything she offered now. It was in his best interest to insure that the Princess' control of her island and lands beyond remained intact.
Her initial suggestion in strategy was rather simple. Request audiences with various advisors and gauge their actions with well placed referrals to the Princess and the realm. He sent a note to each of the various advisors stating simply, "Upon the Princess' request, a private audience is requested to discuss discreet matters."
The message was veiled enough, yet he still wondered if he could earn confidence without raising suspicion while keeping a guise of formality.
Returning to his chambers from a regular walk around the castle grounds, he was preparing for a leisurely evening. The past few days had worn on him, and he needed relaxation. The cool colors of the sunset cast shadows in his chambers as he relaxed in the steamy water of the tub, allowing thoughts of strategy on how to continue to best serve his Princess in such an important mission.
Drying himself as the door opened without announcement, two girls whom he had recognized as servants to Lady V, whom he knew little more than her name, entered the room with an air of formality.
He stood with a towel covering his waist, continuing to dry his hair, watching them as they stood on either side of the door. Their petite but curvy frames were covered in a matching black sheer full length dresses, parting just below their perky breasts and revealing matching black bikini bottoms. With their high heels increasing their short stature, they looked upon him with an air of inquisitive disdain as they motioned for him to come.
"Demetrius" the taller of the two commanded, "Our Lady requests your presence in her chambers."
He tossed his towel aside. Not expecting a response so soon, he began to grow fearful that if it was indeed Lady V causing such fearful thoughts in the Princess, she was impatient in her possible plans. He hadn't really formulated a course of action, and this sudden request for his presence only increased the need to maintain composure.
The shorter of the two girls grabbed his robe; helping to slide it over his shoulders before he tied it taught as the two of them led him down the hall.
Although much shorter than his tall frame, they kept a pace he struggled to maintain as they ascended the stairs to the next level. Upon the end of a long hallway, they opened the double doors and stood on either side, as if his entrance fully expected as he entered the expansive chamber. The two closed the door behind him and stood guard.
He took in the chambers; a spacious room with an expansive window overlooking the southern grounds. The long white drapes rippled carelessly by the wind as he studied a sitting area with a plush red couch and two easy chairs facing the window. A luxurious raised bed, adorned in red and gold splendor, faced the door. A door behind the bed led somewhere beyond sight.
He glanced out the window, seeing some of the townsfolk walking idly in the setting sun as the night quickly descended with candlelight growing stronger within the room.
After a couple of minutes of silence, the rear door opened and she walked out with an air of confidence and authority. Her figure was indeed a ravaging sight of sensuality. Tall and voluptuous, her curvaceous figure was decorated in a deep cut short white dress framed below and sheer white stockings. Her dark hair draped down her shoulders and back, flowing in the breeze as she approached the front of the sitting area.
"Demetrius," she had a naturally seductive tone, yet with command. "To what do I owe this 'honor' of your request for a private audience?" The lingering and slight sardonic use of the language put him on guard for a trap.
"It had come to my attention that we had not yet met," he responded with a strong tone, "and, as you may know, it is my duty to know all that comes through the Princess' realm."
"I see," she said slowly and with slight suspicion, "why now? With all that has happened in the past couple of weeks, I should fear that you are investigating people." Her piercing green eyes looked inquisitively upon him, inspecting the robe and demanding the correct response.
Relying on quick wit to insure the success of the mission, he searched for a response. "My Lady, your fears are, of course, with foundation. But I assure you that this is normal procedure but just a bit late due to attention of other duties at hand. Whereas it is indeed a shame of the latest threats on the Princess' rule, there is no suspicion nor any accusations cast on anyone in particular." His eyes focused on hers as he continued, "I am only bound by my duties to the state to insure that everyone is greeted properly, and I do apologize for it having taken so long to introduce myself."
"Ah yes," she snickered, "the Princess' most loyal servant, sent to extract information from her new advisors. Does she have no shame?"
Her words inflamed as she spoke of the Princess. However, he could not tell if it was from anger or jealousy or, even, an ulterior motive.
She waved her hand as he started to respond, "no mind, though, for there is nothing I have to hide." Her eyes now focused on him again, "And I had thought there were no formalities in Her land, it of course being so long since anyone has visited. Do tell, what type of greetings should I expect?" She said, somewhat suggestively.
"Well, my Lady, I had something more formal planned, and this reception has forced somewhat of a rushed response, I must admit," he responded quickly.
She scoffed, "no need to be formal with me." Waving her hand, "do tell, what does the Princess intend to do in regards to the latest threats?" she moved to the couch and took a seat, her white dress contrasting sharply with the red cloth, motioning for him to come closer.
"My Lady, I am not at liberty to say..." he started to respond, aware that she was attempting to extract information herself.
"Very well," she raised her hand to stop him, "I expected you to say that. You are very loyal to your Princess, and I can appreciate that fact. We all need loyalty in our quest for our own gains."
