Paul Dvorak: King

“Now that you are King we have something wonderful to show you.”

Oh no...now what... “Oh?”

His graphic coalesces in the air between us. It sharpens into the image of an architectural monstrosity mash up of over stylistic gaudy features. I'm reminded of any tera desert casino complex.

“We going to Vegas?”

“Ha ha you are so funny! No this place is yours. It's being built for you.”

“For me?!” My own ghastly casino! Would I be 'house' then? Naturally the odds are always rigged. Do I get to keep the punters money?

“Who would you like to join you there your majesty? Your are the King now so anybody you ask for would have to go with you.”

“Oh! It's a party eh?” How many can I invite? What's the capacity of that place?

“Hundreds or thousands if you want. They will all be glad to go for the king.”

I love a huge party. “When is the party then? Has a date been set?”

“As soon as you are dead, my king.”

“Dead. This is the model of your tomb. Much room of course for the thousands who will die with you.”

“What! You're already building my tomb!?”

“Oh yes. No telling how long you'll last. We have to get started right away. In fact now even...could you please choose a color pallet for the entrance lobby and atrium? The artists have made a range of suggestions that won't clash with the sacrificial crypts of your family the ministers and close advisers.”

“Would that include you?” I gave him my special look of violent disapproval which after much mirror practice might kinda look more like I have abdominal pain. I just got be King only minutes ago and here they are planning my funeral!

“Oh yes! Here's the plan for my condo mausoleum with all my favorite stuff waiting for the afterlife.”

“What if I live another hundred years? All your furniture would be out of style, your domestic gadgets obsolete.”

This made him chuckle like he knew that wasn't going to happen. “Should you...” pause for eye contact, “survive long it would all be modernized. I would never enjoy an eternity of death without the latest appliance features and trendiest furnishings. Everyone buys new cloths when the King dies just in case they are asked to join you.”

How would it screw up their society to demand all the salesmen proceed me into death. These traditions have probably kept this economy going for centuries.New King gets to screw a few virgins, has a good meal, tombs done, everybody buys new stuff and on to the next king.