Things, that should not be known.

I started smoothing the sheet, making sure there was no uneven place.

I could feel the man’s eyes on me as I was working… was he checking me out? I could feel a heat spreading over my cheeks at the thought. Sleeping with a hero… that... did not sound bad… He might not be handsome, but he sure had a reputation with the status of hero, and soon he would become powerful...

“Observe.”

“Huh?” I turned to the man as my trace of thoughts was interrupted. “I’m sorry, sir Hero, have you said something?” I asked.

He shook his head.

Hmm… I could swear I heard- I dropped that trace of thoughts and returned to my work. I could feel his gaze on my back – maybe he had a thing for blonds?

I paused.

Maybe, in the future he would become an important person… maybe even a ruler!? It might be profitable, to get on his good side. But how to go about it?

“Say, I was curious?” I heard him – he seemed a little more relaxed. “What is a punishment for stealing?”

Ah… so that was it. No wonder he was surprised and a little hostile. He thought I came to steal from him.

“Sire Hero,” I started as I continued my work. “You don’t have to worry about me stealing from you.” I smiled at him pleasantly, as I grabbed the duvet. “If a maid was caught stealing, she would be tortured and then executed, to serve as an example for the rest of the maids, as to what would happen to those who dare to steal from the nobility.”

I waved the duvet and allowed it to slowly fall on the bed.

Perfect.

“Oh, I am asking, because I heard that countess Lane’s necklace went missing.” He said as he was explaining.

I paused for a moment.

“So, she lost it?” I asked carefully. This talk was starting to get uncomfortable.

“No, I believe it was stolen.” The man explained calmly.

“Believe?” I asked, my voice quiet. Why was he talking about that?

I grabbed the pillow and carefully laid it on the bed.

“Yes. I believe a maid stole the necklace and hid it in her pillowcase.”

I froze.

He knew.

“What do you think, Vanessa?” he asked, and my head became light and started spinning.

I never told him my name.

He knew.

How did he know?

He knew.

I slowly straightened, not able to think of an answer.

He knew.

I could feel his hot breath on the back of my neck. He was right behind me.

He knew.