Stripped Bare

I am your concubine

A/N: Amadeo Leandro, Brazilian Model...as Dante...

He was hungry after such an eventful night and wondered what else could possibly be in store for him. The servants had prepared a sumptuous meal that was kept warm and waiting for him in the room. Cold champagne had been poured into a flute, awaiting him at the table. He quietly sat down, tucking into the delicious spread as he decided to check his phone.

He was disappointed that his phone still could not receive any signal whatsoever but there was nothing he could do for the time being. So, he plugged the charger and set his phone upon it, silently hoping that he could be able to communicate with anyone in the precinct should there be any emergency.

He could not help but feel a sense of foreboding: an uneasiness settling in his chest.

As he lay in bed, he noticed someone quietly enter the room in the darkness. He instinctively reached for his firearm which he had hidden on the mattress earlier on, quietly uncoupling the clasp that held the hammer in place, having stashed the gun underneath his pillow instead within easy reach.

It was the gentleman who had earlier stood behind the woman and had given his consent. Dante naturally assumed that he was either her husband or partner.

He let go of the firearm, leaving it hidden under the pillow, silently breathing a sigh of relief. He sat up and immediately switched on the bedside lamp.

"I must thank you...for pleasuring my wife. Unfortunately, I cannot give her what she wanted...that is why I sought the perfect specimen of man I could find...and it was you..." he nodded.

"I'm sorry. I do not understand" Dante's eyes narrowed.

"She wanted to have a child...as the sovereign of a small state it is difficult to go about these things without attracting too much attention..." the man continued.

Dante bolted upright. He suddenly realized that he was in the presence of actual royalty.

"I must apologize...I did not realize...but surely, your highness...in-vitro would have been better solutions than..." he broke off, feeling extremely embarrassed now.

"No, don't be...ah yes - in-vitro...we have tried everything...but ended up with nothing. We sought the advice of our mystics and they led us here...in order to find a particular young man...a simple university student without any ties whatsoever to anyone...it was you..."

Dante froze.

"You know who I am..."

"I have my sources, yes, but do not worry. Your secret life as a mere college student/ entertainer is safe with us. You were chosen because you had led a life of hardship, you are worthy..." the prince nodded, continuing "And now...this is yours..."

He produced a check written for 1 million US dollars in Dante's name.

Dante was floored, his eyes widened at the figure which bounced out at him on the cheque. "I cannot...I will not accept this. This is too much...I..." his hands trembled as he held it in his hand, trying to return it to the prince.

"No, you will accept it. If you do not accept it or tear it up, I will still transfer the amount directly into your bank account. You deserve it my friend. Now get some rest. I will get Walid to drive you back tomorrow morning"

The prince left him pondering over what just happened. He grew more and more suspicious of the prince. The details of his life were suddenly of great interest to this man and Dante could not pinpoint the reasons as to why.

Dante eventually fell into a dreamless sleep and much later, awoke to the sound of birds twittering in the morning breeze. The smell of breakfast made his stomach growl in anticipation, as he inhaled deeply.