Chapter 13

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes, My King, and I honour your wishes."

He nodded. "I hope you know your place."

"Yes, My King, your word is my command, and I will never defy you. This was a huge mistake on my part and I would never do it again."

"I see, as long as we are on the same page, there shouldn't be any problems."

How she hated this man by the day. He was the one who had wanted her to be honest. When she does, he harms her.

So she couldn't win. When Sylvia lied, she was in trouble when she didn't lie. She was in trouble.

There was no winning for her.

Sylvia was on the floor as she watched Vernon sleep peacefully on the bed. Her body ached all over.

This is what he called her to do? To watch him sleep peacefully? If only she had lied, none of this would have happened.

He was the one who had ordered her here and to tell the truth, when she does, he lashes out at her.

The night was long and slow.

She curled into a ball as it was cold. When the sunrise came, she sat up and watched Vernon as he slept.

He was truly beautiful in a hard way. He attracted everyone with his commandment rather than looks.

He was charismatic, and authoritative, as he roused. She turned away, afraid of what he would think if she sat here and looked at him.

"I know you are awake."

Sylvia turned to him and she knew that he was taking her face in, all splotchy from crying.

"Morning, My King. I hope you had a peaceful rest."

He chuckled, "Long night, I see."

She nodded, "Not really My King. I am more than happy to be in your presence."

"Are you?"

She became very stiff, "Yes, My Lord, I truly am."

He nodded, "Defensive much?"

"No, My King, that's not how I feel. At all."

He sneered, "I can see through your act, My Queen."

Sylvia wanted to cry. What did she do so wrong?

"I'm not putting up an act, my King. I do revere you."

"I'm sure you wish to spit in my face."

She swallowed. "I would never think of such."

"You honestly want me to believe that?"

"I swear to you, My King."

(Go to hell.) She thought those were the words that she truly wanted to say to him.

"You're dismissed then."

"Thank you, My King."

She got up slowly and was in so much pain, her body ached all over, and as soon as she walked out the door, Maria rushed to her.

"My Lady. You look sick." As she cried out.

"It's all right Maria, I need a bath and I will retire to my chambers."

"Right away, My Queen."

Sylvia now soaked in the bathtub, and she felt her bones melting. Her body was defrosting, and his words ran through her mind.

He was The King before her husband and tears began streaming. This cruel man was never going to love her.

What could she do? She could not challenge him and being soft got her nowhere, so what more could she do?

Staying low was her only option. When she was sick, he did not bother her. So that's how she would act, as if she did not exist.

After the bath, Sylvia retired to her chambers. The softness of the bed and blankets seemed to embrace her more than anyone had done in this kingdom.

"My Lady, My Lady."

Sylvia opened her eyes. "What's wrong Maria?"

"You have been asleep for so long without moving. I was very worried."

"I'm alright Maria."

She reassured her there was no need to make someone else suffer as much as she was. Maria did not deserve it and she would put up a front.

That was the only way she could survive and not crumble. Fake it till you make it, if she wanted the respect of the people.

She had to play the part of the Queen and crumble when she was alone. Sylvia had to get used to it.

There was no turning back and going home as she did not want to disgrace her parents. Now she had to stick it out.

She had to think of a way to survive.

"Dinner is coming soon."

"Send My Regards I'm sick."

"Are you sure My Lady? What if the King puni.............."

"I'm ill Maria, are you also questioning my authority?"

"No, My Lady, I'm afraid as to what the King will do to you."

"Nothing I can do. I'm sick and that is something I can't control, can I?"

"Of course not, My Lady."

Sylvia's eyes closed as she was very exhausted.

"THE KING ARRIVES!"

Sylvia sat up in panic as the doors to her chambers opened and Vernon walked in. He found her eyes, and she froze.

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