I wonder how many of us have skeletons we think are well hidden, when in reality the bones are visible every time we open the closet.

 

"Silver Tongues and White Lies"

 

By Joseph Manno

 

 

Parihn laughed.

The sound would have been delightful if she hadn't been laughing at me.

"That's not a revelation."

I closed my eyes. Unfortunately, hiding failed to deflect the embarrassment.

"You knew I'd slept with the Arellian queen?"

She smiled and held my gaze—evidently seeing far too well.

"Your senior staff consists essentially of women. We knew... and also understood that you didn't want us to know—to somehow think less of you.

"So we pretended we didn't."

Now Parihn took my face in her hands—to chastise and cherish.

"But, Cicero… you never have to pretend with me."