Secrets Untold

As I walk in the door of the dining room, one of my servants rushes up to me. “Sir, where is–?”

“Do not speak his name,” I interrupt him. I lift my hand, signaling him not to proceed talking. He stupidly continues anyway.

“But… why? Isn’t he supposed to have dinner here tonight?” His face holds confusion, his brow furrowed tightly.

“There is no need to mention him again. He cannot provide any more help to us.” I sit down at the dining table, across from where he is standing.

“What do you mean, sir?” he asks.

“Let’s just say that I took care of him last night.”

“But, sir…you can’t possibly mean…” His eyes widen and he tilts his head.

 I look at him, letting silence spill my secret. I pick up a glass of cold water that was sitting on the table and take a sip. I set the glass down and shrug.

“You could go to prison. You could be executed. That is one of the worst crimes a person could commit.” He speaks quickly, his words pouring out of his mouth like a waterfall.

“He insulted me,” I explain calmly, spinning the glass in a slow circle.

“And you decide to send him to his grave?” His voice drops, a judging tone stepping in.

“He insulted me,” I repeat through clenched teeth.

“That’s not a good reason.”

“No one insults me!” My patience snaps, making him jump. I slam my fist against the table, standing up in fury. “Do not question me! Know your place! You stand below!” I stalk around the table and towards him, shoving my finger against his chest. “If you dare defy me, I will smother you, squish you like an insect! And no one… no one will care! Do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir.” His voice is feeble, barely audible. His gaze drops to his feet and his lip quivers ever so slightly. I watch as he fidgets with his fingers.

I take a deep breath and drop my hand. “If you say anything to anyone, you’ll end up right beside him,” I threaten, staring him down.

“...My lips are sealed, sir.”

“I will permanently seal them for you if you utter a single word about this.” My volume lifts again and my eyes narrow.

He makes a motion with his hand, as though he is zipping his mouth shut and locking it with a key. He shakes his head slowly, glancing at me.

“Good. Now, go get me my dinner.” I sit back down, tapping my fingers on the table.

He bows his head and rushes out of the room, relieved to be out of this conversation for now

A few minutes later, he walks back into the room carrying a tray that holds an assortment of meats and vegetables. He sets it down and steps back from the table, looking as shy as a young child.

I sigh. “Forgive me for my outburst. You can understand the position I’m in. It would be difficult for me to remain calm.” I attempt to demolish the tension in the room.

“Of course, sir. I completely understand.” He attempts a smile, but it’s the most awkward thing I have seen in my life. “Could I… see where you buried him?” he asks timidly.

I think about his question for a long moment, letting the silence fill in the space around us. “...If you must. Follow me.”

I lead him down the winding staircase to the vaults. Pushing open the door, I step aside to let him in. His eyes scan the surrounding area, taking it all in. He lets out a deep breath. “This place is massive.”

“Yes it is, isn’t it? Which is a good thing for you. It means you won’t run out of oxygen quite as fast.” My hand tightly grips the edge of the door, ready to pull it shut.

His eyes widen again, looking as though they will fall from his face. “Sir, sir! What does that mean? And where is he?”

“Oh, he’s not here. He’s a hall or two down. I thought I’d give you your own room. I was going to let you go, until your curiosity decided to kick in. Plus, I love the look of shock on one’s face. I can’t help myself,” I explain. I shrug and a smirk prints itself on my lips.

“Please don’t do this! I beg of you!” He takes a slow step towards me, his hands out, as if approaching a wounded animal. I guess I could be compared to an animal in some way.

“Oh, it’s far too late for that. Once I’ve set my mind to something, there’s no going back. You should know that by now, seeing as you’ve worked for me for about five years.” I chuckle softly at his stupidity and ignorance. “You amuse me, Clovis. Always have. Sad to say, you were one of my favorites. Smarter than the others.”

“No! Please, sir, please!” He drops to his knees, clasping his hands together. A terrified look flies over his face. I love it.

“Well, I can’t leave any loose ends. It’d be too risky for me. You understand, don’t you?” I step out and close the door, locking it behind me.

“No! No, I don’t! Don’t leave me here!” He stands and rushes to the door, banging on it with his fist. “I’ll do anything! Please!”

“Don’t make me come in there and silence you myself!” I bang once on the door, stomping a second later.

His voice trails off, realizing there is no point in attempting to change my mind. I lean back against the door, staring out into the darkness. The weight of what I’ve done drags me to the ground. A cold breeze makes me shiver as I rethink the last few minutes.

I shake my head, my smile returning. I tied loose ends, got rid of risks. This is good. Now he sure won’t tell anyone. I have prevailed, as always.