Sylvia limped to him and took his hand, he pulled her up swiftly and now she was saddled behind him on the horse."Hold on if you don't want to fall."Sylvia was happy at that, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, and Vernon turned slightly and hit the reins.She rested her head on his back, his scent lured her in more than ever. They got back and her heart dropped when she saw Celia waiting for him.He got down and helped her down. Maria came to her as Vernon went to Celia and did not even spare her a glance, nothing.Sylvia watched as he held Celia in his arms, she was injured and he could not care any less.Days had gone by and her leg was healing but she was still limping a bit. Today there was lunch with the concubines.So she let Louis carry her there as he insisted. Sylvia would have gotten one of the guards but he was here so she would not mind.They arrived, and Sylvia was shocked to see Vernon, who was talking to them, but then everyone's gaze was on her.Vernon's eyes turned dark immediately. She wanted to hide, why was he here?Maria pulled out her chair, and he set her down gently. "Thank you, Louis."What was this? Vernon was talking about something and all the concubines hung onto every word.Looking at them all, she knew that they all had been in his room. What would it be like to really go all the way with him?He would be rough probably and that was what part of her was afraid. He was not even considerate of her and her gestures.How long was this going to last for? She wanted to go take a nap,"Your majesty." Said Phoebe.Sylvia was brought back to the present. "I beg your pardon?""How is your leg?""It's healing nicely.""Horses can be horrible beasts," Alice replied."Very much so." Sylvia smiled at her. She seemed to be genuine.Everyone paid attention back to Vernon. This was going on for way too long,"If you would excuse me, I have to change my dressing."Louis came but Vernon got up. "Don't touch her, I will do it myself."He pulled her chair back and lifted her as if she weighed nothing, Sylvia wrapped her hands around his neck.They got to her chambers, and he set her down."Thank you.""Leave us."Maria bowed and left, she closed the door. Why had she done that?She was surprised when Vernon took off her shoes, and then took off the bandage OFF, Sylvia smiled, he was really doing this for her.He gripped her foot hard, and she winced. "Ouch."His grip tightened, she tried to pull back her leg."You have gotten very comfortable with being another man my Queen.""I can't walk................." he tightened even more, "He offered............."His grip loosened, and he let go of her leg roughly. He was out of her room, Maria came running in."Are you alright My Lady?""Bring the physician in."Days went by and Sylvia was happy that she could now walk on her own. Her leg had healed, and today she dressed up.It had been a while since she had put in effort as she was cooped in. They headed out and Sylvia loved the wind from the garden."Maria, this is so nice."She ran and twirled around, and stopped when she saw Vernon and Celia make their way toward themSylvia acted as if she had not seen them and ran back towards her chambers. This day was too beautiful for it to be spoiled by them.She sat outside, and her heart sank when Vernon and Celia turned in, now she could not run away."Your Highness." She greeted him."Your majesty." Celia greeted her."I will leave you two to it." She replied,"I did not dismiss you.""My apologies.""Walk with me.""Yes, My Lord."He kissed Celia, "I will visit you later."Sylvia walked side by side with him."I see your leg is fine,""It's healing well.""It has fully healed if you could run away."Sylvia wanted to act as if she did not know what he meant but thought better of it."Where are we going?""Do I need a reason to take my wife on a walk?""No, not at all.""Don't look so gloomy."She turned to him, "Apologies.""I don't care how you feel, but everyone is watching and we have to act as if we are in harmony.""Of course."She plastered on a smile as they carried on walking."I see you have been keeping to yourself.""I don't understand.""I don't see Louis much anymore, what happened to him?"What a bastard, he was enjoying the power he had over her. "I was sick so there would be no need for me to socialize with anyone.""Right, you seem to be fairer than the last time.""Thank you, your Majesty."Sylvia took the scenery in, even though he did not care for her, she loved every moment of this, acting as if he actually did feel something for her.Yet she knew better. "How have you been?"Vernon turned to her, "Fine.""What have you been doing?""Well, except for running the Kingdom, I kept the concubines company."Sylvia sighed inwards. "I'm glad that you could relieve yourself.""That is strange for you to comment on me having intercourse."She blushed, "I meant that you could have someone to talk to so that you would be stress-free.""You are blushing so profusely over this." He shook his head in disbelief.Her heart beat very fast as she reached out and took his hand. Vernon looked at her and knew that he did not want her to touch him.He instead held her hand, and she smiled at him."Don't be too excited, people are watching, and a lot would be said if I refused to hold my wife's hand."Sylvia took a deep breath. "Well then, I'm happy to be your wife.""Are you?" he asked her cynically."Yes, this is more than enough for me."Early access to chapters: www.patreon.com/taniashava