Nope Celia had took a huge hit, she was letting it known that she was the one who was with the King on his last night not her.
Why did she feel the need to bring it up, she had been fake apologising for a while, then throws this in.
"I'm so sorry, My Lady. You seem upset by my words."
Celia was saying this in front of all the other concubines, and she knew that she was sending a message across.
She was challenging her position, almost as if saying that she could easily take her place.
This was going to be a long lunch,
Sylvia replied as to how she felt, which was nonchalantly. "I'm not upset Celia, there is no reason to be upset. I understand where you are coming from."
Sylvia didn't care, but most of all, she was going to ignore her remarks and not give her the attention that she craved so badly.
"How can you not be, My Lady? I feel as if I overstepped my bounds once more."
Oh my soul, how many times would she have to placate her? Was she wanting her to be jealous or lose it.
"You didn't. Only one thing matters."
"That is, if you don't mind me asking?" Celia replied.
"He is my husband, and I'm the Queen."
Sylvia could see that all the concubines were shocked and saw Alice smiling, Celia had stiffened.
"Shall we carry on?"
"Of course, your majesty," Alice replied.
Sylvia noticed that Celia was now quiet for the rest of the lunch, and she knew that she must have been fuming.
She was glad that she had put her in place, and there was no need to make the other concubines feel any less.
All the other concubines chatted, and she listened. When it was done, she dismissed them all.
She was glad that this was over and done with.
"May I have a word with you, My Lady?"
She turned pleasantly to Alice, "You know you don't have to ask Alice."
Sylvia was happy that Alice asked her; she needed this, a friend to talk to.
They walked side by side,
"How have you been, my queen?"
"Great, actually, and you Alice?"
"Same goes for me. That was fantastic what you did back there."
Sylvia had a hint as to what she was talking about but her to confirm first before she became petty for no reason.
"Meaning?"
"The way you handled Celia."
Sylvia nodded, so her intuition was right. "I did try to be nice and understanding."
Alice smiled, "I know that, your Majesty, but it seemed as if she kept on pushing your buttons."
She sighed. "I know she was marking her territory."
"About time she is put in her place. She has always bragged about being the King's favourite. Always grating on our nerves."
"But you all have had experience with the King."
"We did, but not as much as Celia, and their conversations were more profound."
"I can tell with the way the King treats her. And he did tell me outright that Celia was his favourite, so there is no speculation there."
"The King, is he still being cruel to you?"
She sighed. "As always, he is actually becoming worse as time goes by."
"Has he said what his problem with you is?"
"No, not at all. I think he just enjoys tormenting me. There is no other explanation, I wonder why he can't just treat me decently, forget romance or a wife. He has no reason to be acting the way that he is towards me."
"Do you wish for him to return?"
She sighed, "I'm not sure to be honest, this is the first time I don't have to walk on egg shells."
"Must be reliving, My Lady."
"It is , I will take advantage with him being gone, I'm sure you must miss him terribly."
Alice nodded, "He isn't cruel to me and he um…..you know..."
"Don't stop at my expense, I couldn't care less."
"A great lover in bed."
Sylvia nodded. "I see."
"You don't plan on consummating the marriage anytime soon?"
"I don't think so?"
"What about heirs, My Lady?"
"I don't know about that, I would have to be with him in bed for that to happen."
"If Celia gets pregnant first, that could be a huge disaster, especially with a son. That would gain more favour with the king, he would not need any use for you."
"He needs me, Alice."
"I know, My Lady, but this would also cause a huge scandal. Rumours would be rampant."
"There is nothing I can do Alice, if it's meant to be, it will happen."
"Have you tried to seduce him?"
"No, not really. I don't know my way around the room. Can't compare myself to Celia and you all."
"Why are you unsure, My Lady? Why don't you give it a try?"
"It's complicated."
Alice seemed to be surprised. "Does he not have any desire for you in bed?"
"He does, but........."
"Yes?"
"I don't want to talk about it, in all honesty."
"That is understandable, but if you do need to, then let me know."
"Thank you, Alice."
"What are your plans whilst he is gone?"
She smiled, "To be free, to be the person I used to be before I came to this prison. Sorry Don't mean to offend........"
Alice laughed, "No need, if I were in your shoes, I too would understand."
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