Nazira handed the cellophane package over to Toni. "I have some depilatory cream if you need it, Toni." The concubine reached into the bag, withdrew a tube and handed it to her.

She looked surprised. "Have I got time for this?"

"Sure. It only takes five minutes to dissolve, then shower it off. Remember, it's part of our culture for a concubine to be denuded."

"Oh, okay, I'll take a shower..."

I sat numb, listening to the conversation, dreading having to follow in Toni's footsteps. Nazira waited for the shower room door to close then came around and sat in the seat beside me.

"I'm sorry, if our lifestyle makes you feel uneasy, Gina..."

"No, it's not that... I'm not uneasy about your lifestyle, I'm..." I paused and studied the girl. "...I've never exposed my body in front of a stranger..."

"I can't imagine how you feel, because I come from a different world to yours. I can only say that my Master is like no other man alive. He adores the female form. He admires the female mind. He studies us and only employs the finest examples of intelligent femininity."

"Doesn't he have any male assistants?" I asked.

She shrugged. "He employs very few men and much prefers female company. He claims that his search for the perfect woman, whether it be for a brilliant student or a stunningly attractive girl, will continue for ever. I know you fit into both categories and stand a very good chance of joining the Husni organization."

"How do you know that?"

"I can see your beauty with my own eyes. The thing is though, you need to want to be with him as much as he wants to employ you. He'll give you an opportunity tonight to get a feel for his world."

"Slavery, concubines and beatings. I didn't realize that such things still existed."

"Well, they do, Gina. We avoid the word 'slave' and use 'thrall'. On the discipline side, I can assure you that Sheik Husni is one of the most fair-minded masters of those that I have met. I do admit though, that there is cruelty in the UAE beyond my Master's sphere of influence.

"How long have you been in his harem?"

"Three years, since I turned eighteen. My Master bought me five years ago and educated me until I was old enough to be by his side."

"Bought you? That's awful, Nazira."

She shook her head. "I was born to be a slave. I've never met my parents. I worked for a family that bred slaves, like your farmers breed cattle; and I was probably treated worse!"

"That's awful," I repeated. "What were the conditions like?"

"You don't want to know. My life changed completely after the Master bought me at an auction in Al Buraimi. I'm an Omani, from Muscat - well that's where I was brought up..."

We chatted about Sheik Husni's palace and the massive international organization he headed. We also touched on my linguistical skills but had to break off when Toni returned to the cabin. The blonde-haired girl dropped her clothes on the narrow desk and placed her hands on her hips.

Once again, I was gobsmacked to see another girl - a westerner, this time, dressed as a concubine. The light blue gauze outfit shimmered in the light and transformed her image completely.