"My love, I'm glad you were able to share a dinner with me"
I smiled at the man across the long table. He had a stern look and yet it's comical how his eyes glared at me like a child. Without the maids and staffs from the kitchen peeking at us, I would probably against the wall with his hand gripping my neck. How horrible.
He drank some wine before answering me. "I guess you're enjoying your life here, getting along with the servants"
Oh dear, If only you knew.
"They're the people I live with, after all"I put a hand over my lips, chuckling. I set aside my utensils and drank a glass water. I looked down with a melancholic smile.
"Although, I would very much enjoy my life here with you..."
"Don't worry, I'm almost finished setting up my new business near the coast. A month would do no harm, specially if it's for you"he said mindlessly. Maya and the other two attendants squeaked in excitement. I made a wide grin, seeing how he put so much effort to his every word.
Look how far this man had grown. He's only good with guns before, now he's so skilled at lip service.
It's just been two years, hasn't it?
"I apologized if it sounded like you've been neglecting me. I'm very happy with the life you gave me but, no matter how many people are here, I still felt so lonely because my husband only comes twice a year"I dramatically said. He sighed, before dropping down his utensils, ready to give his attention to me.
"Leave me and wife alone, please" he ordered the attendants. They immediately followed, leaving the dining room without much noise.
I continued eating, leaving him hanging with the drama I started. Just eating with him suffocates me. It gets harder to breathe now that we're alone and he's staring at me as if my existence annoyed him.
Why didn't you just killed me then? You damn priveleged fool.
""So? What do you want?"
I shrugged. "Nothing, really. I'm just planning to greet the new chef after the dinner. His food is good, I think he deserves some praise"
I would try to negotiate if he could put some poison on your food too.
"I'll consider that. Anything else?"
I stopped short at his response. I tightly gripped the knife and fork, holding myself back from lashing out at him.
"How long would you stay here?"I asked instead.
"Just this night. I came by to warn you about the imperial agents hiding among the servants--"I cut him off.
"Right, I know what I must do"
We're married only by the papers. In reality, we are just two strangers taking each other for advantages. I may be a powerless Maiden of Constitution, but he needs me for power. While I need him for my safety, until it occured to me.
There is a hidden policy within the Constitution that my father had told me before. Before then, I feared that if ever he died or chose to divorce me, Ill only get remarried to another.
After 2 years, where the marriage takes effect, I'll be guaranteed to have advantages if ever my husband died. Its a compensation, enough to provide myself a living.
"Of course, you must do what you've got to do"he emphasized, not even batting an eye at me. "unless you are prepared for the consequences?"
The way he said, he must be pertaining to what he did to my family. Chills went down my spine reminiscing the event. I forced a smile, my eyes fixed on my plate. Im afraid, meeting his eyes would make me lose my composure.
I cannot let that happen.
"Just for reference, what 'consequence' might that be?"I retaliated.
"Why? Are you worried to share the same fate with your family? Don't worry, I'll be gentler to you"he smirked. I almost throw the fork on his face in annoyance.
This brute..
I shrugged. "Not really. I just want to see if it's worth the effort"
"Let's see"he wiped his lips with table napkin then pretended to think. "If you try to escape, I'll let the Constitution deal with you. However, if you dare to kill me,... I'll kill you myself"
His expression went back to what they usually were. A blank face, with eyes full of rage. He meant every word he said. As if it's as simple as snapping his fingers.
"But I know you're smarter than that, Hillary. You don't even have enough courage to poison me"he said, feeling reassured.
My love, if only you knew.
"Of course, Mr. Benjamin"I answered with formality. "I'm just joking.How can I even try to go against you when you've given me everything, right?"
I continued eating my food, not minding the conversation we just had. I've endured two years for this moment. This won't let me falter. I took the champagne glass and sipped some alcohol. Through the transparent glass, I saw his faint figure, his aura reflecting pure malice and danger.
Mr, Benjamin Muller, Great Herald of the Constitution,
you are the greatest husband any woman could have. Not only you have the looks, your skill with guns and violance are exceptional. You even raised your illegal businesses alone and until now is still booming.
But you knew right? If not, I hope you know.
Jokes are always half-meant.