When she was done eating, Sylvia took the plates to the door, took her books, and sat by the table as she began to read.
"What are you doing?"
"Reading."
"You can do it after bathing."
"No, I want to do it now."
"No, you look dirty, like a pig."
"Oh, so now you are coming after my looks."
"Trust me, Sylvia, you are a rare beauty. Even on your worst day, you are still more stunning than most women on their best day."
She blinked at his words. Why did she find them so sweet?
"Don't stand there in a daze."
She rolled her eyes. There he was, the Vernon that she knew all too well. Why couldn't the other Vernon stay for a bit longer?
"Why does my appearance affect you so much?"
"I have to look at you."
"Then look at something else, your work maybe."
"Why are you being stubborn?"
"Who said anything about being stubborn?"
"You seem to be doing everything to grate on my nerves."
"I would never do such a thing, my King."
"So humour me, and tell me when you stopped bathing in the morning?"
"We all can't stay the same, My King, and today I'm just not in the mood to."
"Go bathe."
"Huh?"
"I'm not asking you, I'm telling you."
"No."
"No?"
"What are you going to do? Call the guards? I would gladly do that for you. I can even start now."
"Don't test me."
"Test you? My hygiene has nothing to do with you."
"You are blessed by the heavens, Sylvia."
"What?"
"I am not feeling well, or else I would be bathing you myself."
"Then do it, My King."
"What?"
"Bathe me, I am giving you permission."
He gritted his teeth, "You are saying all of this because I am not in the best condition."
"No, not really."
"Keep this same energy when I become better."
She swallowed, "I won't have to, because I won't be here. When you are in your best condition, I am going back to my chambers."
There was a knock on the door, and she went close to it,
"Who is it?"
"Celia, My Lady."
"What brings you by?"
"I am here to see the King."
"Now is not a good time, Celia."
"Maybe he would feel different if he saw me."
Sylvia was not in the mood to be in a petty fight with his most precious woman,
"Wait a minute."
She went to Vernon. "Should I let her in?" She asked lowly.
"Did I not say that no one is to see me in this condition?"
"It's Celia."
"And?"
"She and I could swap; it would be a win-win situation."
He nodded, and Sylvia breathed out in relief, time for her to go back to her beloved chambers.
Why had Celia not come sooner? All he had to do was listen to her sweet voice and cave in an instant.
"Celia, leave, I don't want to see you." Vernon's voice boomed out.
Sylvia turned to him in shock. What did he mean? She thought that they had come to an agreement, that Celia would take over.
"My King I........" Her voice came out hurt, and she was shocked.
"I will call for you, don't come back here."
"Understood, My King."
Her freedom had just left like that; she should have known better that he would not change his mind so easily.
Alice might have had a point that he might not love anyone, but how could he do that to her? Did Celia's pleas mean nothing to him?
"What?" He asked her head-on.
"Don't you think she should know?"
Vernon set his paper down, "Humor me."
"Celia would not let this out."
"Why do you want her to know so badly?"
"Then she can be at peace and know that you are not avoiding her."
"You sure do want my relationship with my concubine to work."
"I mean, I don't stand a chance, so why should I bother?"
"You don't seem to care much about me."
"I do, or else I would not be here."
"You are here because you want the kingdom to run smoothly, and that helps your people."
She shrugged, "An eye for an eye. Just as you need me."
"You still didn't answer my question."
"About?"
"Not caring."
"Does that matter?"
"No." He replied.
"Then why ask?"
He just ignored her, and she rolled her eyes, so much for his mood swings. The day was passing by, and she felt more uncomfortable, so she decided to take a bath.
She was also surprised that Vernon had not bothered her again, but he, too, was focused on his work.
She came back, and he glanced at her approvingly but did not say anything, which she was thankful for as Sylvia was not in the mood for his snarky remarks.
Sylvia wanted to leave his chambers so badly, so now she knew what to do tonight. It was going to take her a long time, but it would all be worth it in the end.
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