She made her way to Vernon, and he got up to pull her chair back and sat down, he placed a kiss on her cheek."Welcome your empress, thank you for gracing us, I'm Celia, and it is an honor to finally meet you."The name rang alarm bells, this was the concubine that he favored, it seemed as if she was making a statement towards her."Phoebe My Lady.""Alice.""Bertha.""Florence.""Hilda."Sylvia hid that she was surprised that there were so many concubines. How did he manage to entertain them all?When had he gotten all these concubines, she now wished that he had made one of them to be his wife."It is an honor to meet you all.""To the queen." One of the other guests by the other tables said as he raised a toast, Sylvia raised her glass,"A toast to you all."They all drank, and the room was very full with so many tables,Vernon went back to talking to the concubines as she listened. He did favor them a lot and Celia was definitely the favorite, after hearing this interaction, she was more than sure."My Lady."She was surprised to see one of her closest friends here, "Louis!"Sylvia motioned for one of the servants to come. "Please get him a chair."The servant came back with a chair, and he sat down, she lifted her hands and he took them, "When did you arrive?""Just now.""You must be tired after traveling so much.""I'm famished too, but I could not miss out on a chance to see you.""How is your family?""They....................."Sylvia was shocked when Vernon leaned in, and kissed her hair. "It is inappropriate for you to talk to another suitor in my presence. Let alone not introduce them to me."She pulled her hands back from Louis."My King, this is my childhood friend Louis, Louis, this is my husband his majesty.""Forgive my rudeness, Sire, it was all on me to not greet you. You can punish me instead of her.""Louis." She said in a stern tone,"Is that so?"Her body stiffened,"Yes, My King.""You seem to care for my wife a great deal.""She is a close friend. It's my duty to do so.""Louis, I will see you later. You can go sit elsewhere." she intervened, not wanting this to escalate. There was something already simmering."If you need anything, you can call out to me," he replied."Thank you, Louis."She watched her friend go away. Her anger was simmering, and he could not just let her talk to her friend.He just enjoyed tormenting her at all costs. He did not come to visit her and she only had Maria who stood behind her with the other servants at her beck and call."I like that friend of yours.""He is a great friend."That is all she said and everything went back to how it was. Sylvia looked around and noticed that many were looking at her. Her eyes landed on Louis, and could see that he was asking her if she was alright.Sylvia smiled at him to show that everything was fine and was surprised when she felt Vernon's hand on her upper thigh.He turned to her. "You're truly the fairest in the land.""Thank you, My King."There was so much noise and he spoke so close to her, Sylvia had not missed the look of fury from Celia's eyes."I think it's time to consummate our marriage."Her, eyes widened, "Where is this coming from, My Lord?""I have been accommodating and patient with you. I can't wait any longer.""I don't know my way around the bedroom.""I will teach you.""I....................""Besides, I see a lot of people want what's mine. You are mine Sylvia,""Yes, My King."She could see that he was leaning in for a kiss, so she reached for her glass, but he grasped her jaw and planted a hard kiss on her lips.This was her first kiss, and color bloomed on her cheeks."You look lovelier with color on your cheeks.""Thank you..........My.......Kin..." she stuttered.Sylvia drank, this evening she would have some fun, the performances began as she clapped with, and another performer came and gave her flowers once more. They all seemed to be in awe,"Thank you, kind Sir."Even the women gave her flowers, Sylvia laughed, and drank."Come, My Lady."Sylvia was shocked at their quest for her to dance. "I....."They pulled her up and started to dance with her. They twirled, and Sylvia could see Vernon watching her.He had no expression, which she did not care, let him talk to his concubines, everyone clapped and cheered.One of the performers came and bowed to her. More people were there, and they began dancing.Sylvia laughed, and when she was exhausted, she went back to her chair,"I did not know you could dance."She smiled at him, "Well, there are a few things that I can do."Vernon nodded, "I would ask but you're way too boring, the only thing in your favor is your beauty."Sylvia was taken aback by his words, he had gone too far, she got up,"Excuse me, I need the restroom."Maria came to her, and they went outside, and instead of going to the restroom, she sat down. The cold night air bit her, but it did not bother her."Sylvia."She turned, and it was Louis."What are you doing out here?""I'm just overwhelmed.""Did he say something to hurt you?""Yes, I have never met such a man that is this cruel.""Sorry, that I can't help you.""You don't have to, I understand. Please go back before there is speculation."He rubbed the back of his head. "You're right. I did not think about that."He went back in,"My Lady, do not mind him.""I try not to Maria, but how can I not?""Let us go back. I just have to fake it."