Prelude
This is story will make much more sense if you read chapters 1 and 2 first. However, if you don't have time, this is the story so far:
Alex handled a project for the Sultan and was invited to the Sultan's palace to discuss more work, where he enjoyed several of the Sultan's dancing girls (Ch. 1). He's now on his way back a second time to sort out a problem with another project. He spent two days with the Sultan in Geneva on the way. Whilst there, he enjoyed another of the Sultan's girls and discovered a fraud on the project (Ch. 2).
In chapter 3, there's lots of sex, but it's interwoven with the ongoing detective work on the project. For it to make sense, you need to read the introductory section.
* * * * *
At the airport, Alex and the Sultan were met by two of the Sultan's aides, who had a car waiting for them. Alex recognised the route to the Sultan's palace; it led down from the airport towards the sea then turned right along the coastal road.
A few miles beyond the old town, the car was flagged down by a policeman, but after much discussion and gesticulation, the policeman walked off. Afterwards, the Sultan turned to Alex and summarised everything in English: "Apparently there's been an accident just after the bend ahead and the road is completely blocked. He thinks it could take up to an hour to clear and unfortunately, there's no easy diversion round it."
"So, we'll just have to wait for it to be cleared."
"Well, we could make good use of the time by visiting my jeweller. One of the harem girls has a birthday coming up and I'd like to get her a little something."
"That sounds like a good plan."
The Sultan gave the instructions to the driver and a few minutes later they were parked in much the same spot where they had parked on their previous visit to the jeweller. The four men got out of the car and set off on foot along the narrow streets of the old town.
They had hardly walked a hundred yards, when suddenly a man sprang forward, produced a gun from under his clothing and aimed it at the Sultan. Alex, who was nearest, leapt forward, grabbed the man's wrist and pushed his arm up. The gun went off, but the bullet soared harmlessly over the Sultan's head. Within seconds, the two aides had disarmed the would-be assassin and had pinned him to the ground.
"That," sneered the Sultan, "is my ex-project manager -- the one I fired recently." He stepped forward and spat on his face.
"He's clearly not happy with his new status."
"No."
Two policemen then arrived and pushed their way through the small crowd that had gathered. They had heard the shot from a few streets away and had come running to investigate. They recognised the Sultan and whilst one handcuffed the attacker, the other talked to the Sultan, who explained what had happened. The policeman turned to Alex and shook his hand warmly.
Again, the Sultan translated: "He thanks you for helping to keep the streets of our beloved country free from vermin." Alex just smiled and nodded. After taking statements from several eye witnesses, the policemen dragged the attacker away.
After the crowd dispersed, the Sultan just stood there looking dazed: "Well, I seem to have lost my appetite for shopping. I suggest that we just return to the car."
Alex agreed. Once back in the car, they set off again towards the palace and the Sultan turned to Alex: "It appears that I owe you an everlasting debt of gratitude."
"It was nothing; I merely did what any man in that situation would have done."
"I don't agree. Most men would have dived for cover to get out of the line of fire, but you leapt forward, putting your own life in grave danger in order to save mine. My grandfather was once involved in a similar incident, when a man sprang out of the crowd with a dagger. A passer-by intervened and saved his life. So I think it's only appropriate that I give you the same reward that my grandfather gave to the man who saved his life."
Alex was intrigued, but wasn't expecting a reward: "I can assure you, no reward is necessary. I'm just relieved that everything ended well."
"No, I insist. Following the precedent set by my grandfather, I shall allow you free access to my harem for the duration of your stay, with permission to enjoy any or all of the girls as you think fit."
Alex was stunned. It took him a few seconds before he could speak again: "But I though no man is ever allowed to even see the harem girls, let alone do anything with them!"
"Yes, normally, that is the case, but this is hardly a normal situation. Had it not been for your rapid and courageous action, I would never be able to enjoy any of my girls ever again. The least I can do, under the circumstances, is to share some of the pleasure that awaits me with you. In any case, I have lost a considerable amount of honour in having to rely on a third party to save my life and when I can fuck my harem girls again after they have been fucked by such a brave and honourable man then I will regain some of that lost honour."
Alex didn't quite follow the last bit about the Sultan regaining his honour, but it was clear that he would be very offended if Alex turned the proposed reward down.
"Well, if you put it like that, then how can I refuse such a generous offer?"
"Good, good. I will make the arrangements as soon as we arrive." The Sultan held out his hand and shook Alex's.
The two men had been so engrossed in their conversation that they hadn't noticed that the accident had been cleared and that they had been able to drive straight past the site. Minutes later, they arrived at the Sultan's palace.
* * * * *
The Sultan led Alex to one of the lounges and left an aide to provide him with refreshments, while he went off to the harem to make the arrangements. News of the attempted assassination spread fast round the palace and Alex noticed that everyone was treating him with even more courtesy than on his previous visit. Ten minutes later, the Sultan returned.
"It is all arranged. A bedroom is being prepared for you within the harem instead of in the visitor centre, where you stayed last time."
"Thank you -- that's fantastic. Erm, so, tell me, how does the harem actually function?"
"Well, it's like a small village really. There are currently twenty girls. The ones that are unavailable because of the time of the month wear a red bracelet. Also, three girls are always 'on standby', just in case I turn up unexpectedly, but normally, I let them know in advance which girl or girls I want, so that they can prepare themselves. There are a dozen eunuchs, who guard the harem and do any heavy manual work and ten older women, known as the elders, who run the harem, preparing food and training the girls etc."
Alex nodded. "I've heard that girls who live together often end up with their monthly cycles in sync. Do you end up with all of them wearing red bracelets at the same time?"