Chapter 3

Sylvia was seated back down and carried on watching Vernon speak, and found herself analyzing him. He had no bad angle, he commanded authority with the way he carried himself.Everyone wanted to follow him, not because of his looks but because of the power that he exuded.Everyone wanted to be recognised by him, even if it was a spare glance, they would take it and cherish it.He turned to her and could see that he had a question in his eyes as to why she was looking at him like that.She turned away from his gaze, he was way too much for her. She was definitely not Celia, who was probably used to this intensity.Finally, the night was over, and it was in the early hours of the morning. They got up and Maria came to her as they went to her chambers.Sylvia immediately passed out, and in the following days, it was the same once more. Vernon was silent.He did not send anything or request her presence, which means she did not have any wifely duties she needed to do.She was grateful for that, ever since he had said that he wanted to consummate their marriage.Louis came to visit her, and she was happy,"I see the King is quite difficult."She sighed, "He is.""Why can't you call off the wedding?"She laughed, "It's not that simple.""Why not?""Our kingdom and our people need this.""Fine, run away with me?""I wish I could, but he would find us.""Can't he let you go?""He would never, and I'm not risking it.""I see."

"Are you coming to the Polo Derby tomorrow?"

"Are you inviting me?""Of course."He smiled at her, "Well, if you're going, so will I.""Great."The following day, the derby came and was ready."You look lovely.""Thanks, Louis, let's go."They got to the derby and sat by the front row, and she could see Celia was with Vernon. There was a pang of jealousy in her chest."Are you okay?""Nothing I can't handle.""Do you want to bet on the players?"She laughed, "Now you are talking, wait I need to do something quickly. Wait here."Sylvia made her way to Vernon. She needed to greet him as the Queen so that he would not reprimand her.He looked amazing, and could not help but gap at him. Celia stood to the side, a couple of steps from them."I came to wish you good luck.""I do not need it.""Oh."He took Celia's hand, and pulled her next to him, "She is the only luck I need."He planted a kiss on her, as she stood there.Sylvia got up and turned away, she went back to her place, he had made an utter fool out of her.Sylvia sat next to Louis once more."Sorry,""You saw that?""I did. He is a bloody bastard.""You don't have to say it twice."The games began in their knockout stages, Vernon began first and he won swiftly. When the last stage began it was intense, but Vernon won.He got a garland, and she was shocked when he handed it to Celia, who smiled. Sylvia knew that she was relishing it.She had it and got up, her eyes stung, and pushed back tears that were threatening.Sylvia stopped abruptly. "I need to be alone."Louis and Maria nodded, and Sylvia carried on walking alone. She regrouped herself and went back.The day was lovely, and Vernon would not ruin it for her again. She did not care what he would say.Sylvia and Louis spent the day going around, getting some food as they talked, and she really had missed her friend.He made her laugh."My Queen."She turned to the guard. "You may carry on.""The King is calling for you."Her shoulders sagged."Do you want me to come with you?"Sylvia did not care. "Yes, let's go Louis."They were led to where lunch was being served. All the concubines were there and of course, Celia was next to him.Louis opened the chair and sat across from Vernon, and Louis sat next to her.Sylvia did not care about the glares,"You can eat anything, enjoy."Everyone began eating, the conversation began to flow once more, and when she looked up, Vernon's eyes were on her and they were seething with rage. She was enjoying it, letting him feel how it felt to be in her shoes.Her and Louis were laughing so much as they reminisced about the old times, when lunch was done Sylvia did not look at Vernon as she and Louis left."My Queen the King wants.............""I need to do something important, so you can send my apologies to him."Before the guard could say anything, "It's an order."The guard nodded, "Yes, My Lady.""Are you sure you are going to be okay?""Don't worry Louis, I'm fine.""I can't protect you.""You don't have to."He sighed."You know me and how I am, so let's enjoy the rest of the day."Sylvia decided to dismiss herself. "Tell the King that I'm not feeling well and I'm retiring to my chambers early."The guard nodded, and she parted ways with Louis, she and Maria headed back to her chambers.Night time came soon, and she changed into her nightgown, and unbraided her hair,"THE KI.............""ALL OF YOU LEAVE!"Sylvia was now a bit scared as Vernon burst into her chambers and all the servants left."My Ki............."Vernon was in front of her and he grabbed her by the hair, her scalp was on fire."YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE A FOOL OUT OF ME!"He pushed her to the ground, and Sylvia got up her own anger simmering,"So it's fine when you humiliate me in front of everyone, but when I stand out of your way so you can be with your concubine, it's not fine?"He headed towards her.