Sylvia's first duty she had was to have lunch with the concubines, she had to make sure that they were faring well.
After getting dressed, she made her way out and got to the garden court. All the concubines got up as she made her way to the head of the table.
She sat down, "Please, you may all sit."
Alice sat closest to her and smiled at her, she turned her attention back to all of them.
"Afternoon to you all."
"Greetings Your Majesty."
"Good day, your majesty."
"Afternoon to you too my lady."
More responses came and drinks were served,
"How are you all holding up?"
Like she cared but had to do her duty,
"It's very hard without the King," Phoebe replied.
"Extremely hard and lonely," Bertha replied.
"I'm very worried about him." Another added.
"I miss his touch and the conversations that we would have in the early hours of the morning. Hearing his.........." Celia stopped abruptly.
She acted shocked, "I just lost track as to what I was saying, I hope it did not offend you, My Lady."
"No, not at all Celia, and you may carry on, very lovely to hear about your festivities."
Celia shook her head quickly, "No, I was not thinking on my part. Please forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive as you were answering a question that I had asked."
"I just feel as if I had overstepped my bounds."
"That is for me to decide."
Celia threw her head down dramatically, "I would rather you punish me."
"Why would I do that?"
"Then I would know that you are not upset with me."
Sylvia leaned back and decided to indulge in her, "Tell me, what makes you think I would be upset?"
"That I was sharing intimate details between the King and I, which is not appropriate," Celia replied.
"That is an oath between you and the King, take it up with him when he comes back and tell him what you did."
"I will My Lady, but I want to also appease you."
"Appease me?"
"I don't want there to be any misunderstandings between you and the King because of me."
"I assure you, Celia, there won't be, I don't take such small matters to heart."
She could see that Celia had not taken her words well, "Small?"
"Yes, matters between the King and concubines don't matter that much."
Celia seemed to be taken aback with a bit of anger, "Small, what the King and I have is definitely...….."
"Doesn't matter to me." She cut her off.
Sylvia meant it, why would she care about what that treacherous insufferable man did with his side conquests?
Which made her remember that he had asked her to beg him. Beg him? Which made her fume a bit.
"I wasn't trying to make you upset My Lady, I was merely trying to explain as to why…."
"I am the Queen Celia, the King and I have more pressing matters to worry about such as the kingdom. All other affectionate conversations come after we solve what matters."
Sylvia saw Celia stiffen, "That is very true My Queen but I would have to slightly disagree as I do spend most nights with him."
Sylvia chuckled a bit and picked up her goblin, took a sip.
"I'm sorry My Lady! My mouth slipped once more."
She smiled, "There is no need, Celia, we are all friends here."
"I feel as if we are getting off on the wrong foot and it's all my fault."
"Nothing is your fault, Celia, we are all worried about the wellbeing of The King."
"I just can't help myself, My Lady, to worry more."
"We all are worried, it's only natural Celia."
Celia sniffled and Sylvia wanted to roll her eyes, how long would she keep up with this act and what did she want to convey?
"Please drink." She motioned for everyone.
Everyone took their cups, she could tell that everyone had been so immersed in their conversation.
"What of you Alice?"
Alice turned to her and smiled, "Just as everyone, I do miss him terribly and hope for his safe return."
"He can't come back soon enough, right?" Celia replied.
Alice nodded, "Yes, you are right,"
"I mean his scent and everything Alice," Celia replied.
Sylvia knew that Celia was trying to send some message across, that she was the most important person to him regardless of her being Queen.
"Very true, it's enticing." Another concubine whom she didn't care for answered.
The others all nodded in agreement, so much for asking Alice.
She just smiled as they seemed to be reminiscing about their sweet moments, which is something she had never experienced.
"I mean his last night was with me, so it is still fresh in my mind." Celia took a hit but was masquerading it as missing him or was she the one reading too much into it?
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