Master Elbrus blinked a couple of times, clearly not expecting that answer. Rei seized the moment and continued to elaborate on her lie.
“Penny has spoken cursed things of late, Master. Saying that she deserves better than being a slave, and even—” Penny channeled her fear into a shudder that she hoped would come off as shame mixed with resentment. “Even speaking ill of you, Master.”
Master Elbrus stood up. “I-wait; what did she say?” He looked an equal mix of angry and confused.
Rei had to keep pressing. This lie was dangerous, for it was apparent to all of the slaves that Penny was a favorite of Master Elbrus’, and she was often ordered to his chambers for many hours of servicing him with her beautiful body. This resulted in Penny often being given the less unpleasant tasks and duties, which had sown some bitterness and jealousy amongst the slaves and servants. Rei was counting on this so that none would refute her accusations and let Penny take the fall. And, Rei did feel some guilt about this, that new girl Lexi would be blamed as well.
“I am afraid to repeat her wicked words, Master. I worship your honorable and pious ownership of myself and your other slaves, and I would never—”
Master Elbrus cut her off with a decisive hand gesture. “Out with it! Repeat her words, they are birthed from her lips, not yours.”
“Yes, Master. Penny bragged to us that she had your favor. And that her beauty was such that it had caused you to be, apologies Master, in her words, caused you to ‘be rendered a fool’ when she was in your presence.”
Rei saw anger and defensiveness erupt behind the Master’s eyes. She had landed the first step in her path to dodging the cross. She continued to press her gambit.
“She spoke to me once of an escape. Rather, her words were confusing, elusive. But after seeing that parchment I understood. She had spoken of being in love with that skinny new girl, Lexi. She wanted you to bed them both so that they would be given more rest this night, so they could gather supplies for their wicked attempt to flee your merciful ownership. I beg your forgiveness for not realizing her schemes sooner and alerting you at once.” Rei let her lips tremble with emotion at the plea, for it was the final piece in her hastily crafted deception.
Master Elbrus waved placatingly at her and began to pace silently. Rei took a deep breathe. It had worked…