Sylvia woke up the following morning,

Maria came in, "My Lady, the King requests your presence for dinner."

Sylvia groaned, "What choice do I have Maria?"

"It will all be well My Lady."

Night time came all too soon, after being ready she went. Sylvia entered and all the concubines were there.

Of course, this bastard wanted to torture her further, if only she had not seen him by the garden, none of this would be happening.

She could see the concubines taking in her appearance.

"My benevolence, your beauty is greatly appreciated."

She smiled, "Thank you Alice."

She could tell that all the other concubines were shocked at her appearance, the last time they had saw her, she was unrecognizable.

"Your presence is welcomed."

She smiled at her sugar coated words, "Thank you Celia."

Now for her to make it through the evening.

"My Queen."

She turned instantly to Vernon, "Yes My King."

"You look breath-taking."

She forced a smile, "Thank you My King."

All he saw was her beauty, he never asked her or complimented about anything else. Just that.

She sipped on her wine and was completely zoned out, what did he achieve by dragging her out.

Sylvia jumped when a dish was dropped as it made her remember the sound of the sword, before the hilt hit her.

She motioned for Maria,

"Excuse me My King, I need the restroom."

Maria was by her side, and when she got outside, Sylvia felt as if she could breathe a bit. She sat by the garden bench.

"My Lady you're shaking. Are you cold?"

"No, as a matter of fact, I feel hot."

"My Lady, are you alright?"

Sylvia turned to find Alice,

"Yes, I was just taking a small break."

Alice sat next to her, "You don't have to act strong and be alone, we heard what happened, it must have been traumatic."

"I don't have time to tend to that, as the Queen, I have to be strong."

"There is strength in weakness too."

"It will pass, all of this will pass eventually."

"Do you have nightmares?"

"Yes, they haunt me."

"Maybe if you spoke about it, it would make you feel a whole lot better."

Sylvia swallowed, "He brutally attacked me, I felt helpless, the pain was excruciating. At that moment, I thought death would have been better."

She sobbed out and Alice pulled her into her arms, as she cried her heart out,

"I try so hard to not let it affect me but it is not possible, everything is influenced by that event."

"You cant forget it so soon and you cant do it alone."

"Who else is there? I have Maria only. I don't want to burden her too much."

"Well now you have me."

Sylvia nodded, "Thank you. I need a friend."

"I know, I wish I had reached out to you way sooner."

"It's alright, I'm thankful that you're here." As she cried some more.

"Leave us Alice, everyone."

She jumped a bit, and pulled back, Vernon stood there.

"Yes My King."

They all left and Sylvia's heart pounded faster, was he angry with her?

"I did not mean to be gone for that long, time just got past me."

"Follow me."

Sylvia got up and followed him, and they arrived at his chambers, and was wondering why she was here.

"You will sleep here tonight."

She wanted to protest, but kept quiet, "Yes My King."

"The servants will bring your night attire."

She nodded,

"I will be back."

Vernon left and Sylvia got changed, now she stood wondering what she should do? Sleeping on his bed could infuriate him so she sat by the table.

"Sylvia....Sylvia....."

She shot awake, and was drenched in sweat, "What happened?"

"You're having a nightmare."

She gasped for some air,

"Go back to sleep, I have work tomorrow and I can't keep waking up because of whatever is going on in your mind."

"Okay."

She reclined back, he had carried her to bed, he was the one who had made her come sleep with him and now he complained.

The only way she could control her dreams is if she did not sleep. She was afraid as he already was irritated with her.

So she just lay in the dark as Vernon's breathing deepened, the following morning Vernon left and she made her way to her chambers.

She felt exhausted, and bathed, then went to bed.

"SYLVIA........."

Her eyes shot open,

"This is your third night and you have been having nightmares every night."

"Sorry, I can go back to my chambers."

Vernon got out of bed, he lit the candles,

"What happened?"

"Huh?"

"Don't make me ask you twice, what happened when you got attacked?"

She looked away, would he make fun of her,

"Will you laugh at me?"

"This is no time for jokes, you have to face it."

"I know, I cant be weak as the Queen."

"Put the status aside for now."

She nodded, and Sylvia told him what had happened, she tried to stop her trembling but was failing at it dismally.

Vernon listened to her intently,

"That's it."

"Are you still in pain?"

"At times when something triggers it."

"You're having phantom pain."

She swallowed, "Yes."

Vernon nodded, "You will train with me."

She was shocked at his words, "What?"

"You need to learn how to fight Sylvia and this will help with what you're going through."

She nodded,

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I don't want you to harm me."

"I will let it pass tonight."

"I didn't think you had it in you to be like this."

"I'm not Sylvia, the man that I am is beyond cruel. This is an exception as I see it is taking a toll on you and I cant neglect the Queen."

"I understand."

"Can I ask you something?"

"No, it's late and I have already listened you speak so much, I need rest."

"Alright."

They went to bed.

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