At Her Best.

Nine.

I was on panic overdrive. My heart was racing, my palms were sweating. It's not like anyone could tell though, for I was still looking absolutely beautiful with a smile plastered on my face. I was faking it quite successfully, and that was due to all the times I was in sticky situations throughout my very promiscuous career. I eyed the king who was chatting it up with his guests. He seemed at ease and rather friendly. However, I knew I was on shaky ground. I was on the royal's territory, everyone here worshipped his feet. Until I found out if my presence was welcomed or denied, my guard was standing tall.

But how could I possibly get him alone to question him? Could I even question him? It's not like he was someone I could just pull to the side. The honorable ruler was smothered with four huge bodyguards...and might I add how fine they all were. One of them was seductively looking at me every now and again, but even that was putting me further on edge. I breathed out slightly, trying to calm myself. If I wasn't wanted at this event, I'm sure I would have been escorted out already. I needed to relax and play my cards right.

And Renzo seconded my thoughts. My older brother reunited with me exactly five minutes after my moment with the king, and he quickly put a stop to my negative thinking. Renzo assured me that we both had nothing to worry about, and that it was probably in the king's best interest to know everyone who was here. My brother's explanation sounded like utter bullshit, but I was going to put my trust in him and hope for the best.

Scanning the room, I looked for a sight of Deo. I knew for a fact that he wouldn't be here, the prince usually spoke negatively about going back home and attending functions. Yet, I roamed around for a glimpse of him. There was always a possibility of Deo pulling a fast one on me, and I needed to figure that out quick so I could get the fuck outta here. The king's greeting could have been a simple gesture, but it could have also been a warning. And I'd be damned if I let something like that slip through the cracks.

I searched high and low, but still no Deo. Renzo thought I was tripping, and wanted me to return to my typically unbothered self immediately. But he didn't understand the level of anxiety I was experiencing. This wasn't like the other situations where I could finesse my way out. I was in a foreign country, on unfamiliar grounds. That would have anyone alert.

Despite my restlessness, the party continued lively. There were dances, singing performances, the whole damn nine. It was a celebration for sure, and the lit atmosphere actually brought some calmness to my nerves. Renzo nudged me playfully and made me dance along with him, and for a moment I forgot all about my worries.

"The king wants to speak to us." Renzo whispered in my ear as he twirled me around to the rhythmic music. "I just got a signal from one of his bodyguards. Act natural and stop stressing. You got this. Remember, this is what we came here for."

Ah, the moment I've been waiting for. The small pep talk from my brother discarded my nerves and within seconds my confident persona was back on lock. I came to Eswatini to settle a score, to get my type of business handled. Renzo led the way and I graciously followed behind. One of the fine ass bodyguards was further ahead of us, and he guided us to a secluded room. The room was dimly lit, but still beautifully decorated with African artifacts and designs. As I looked around at my surroundings, handsome bodyguard murmured something in my brother's ear and I knew from that gesture alone that the king was approaching. Taking a seat, I relaxed and waited on the king. I knew I had to view the king as an ally, not a threat. That's the only way I was going to properly execute this mission.

"They want me to leave." Renzo announced. "This room, I mean. I'll be waiting right outside. Handle yo business sis."

I nodded and watched my brother retire from the secretive space, leaving me alone with one of the king's handsome bodyguards. The guard stood by the entrance of the room, and I watched him, intrigued. He was as still as a statue, but he looked like he wanted to say something. Cocking my head to the side, he mocked my action and breathed out. Hmm, what was his deal?