Inside Gabrielle's room, Gabrielle stood, standing in front of her body mirror, she stripped down to her slip dress.
She stared at her reflection, scanning the old and fresh bruising on her body.
'It's becoming harder to keep these bruises hidden… Stentin is becoming more and more violent… If I don't get out of this, 'Training,' with him… There's no telling what will happen to me… Ansel… I wish I could tell you everything… I wish I could just speak to you about this.. But you're so busy with Kingdom Green… It's looking as if battle is imminent… Your people need you Ansel… So for you and for them I won't be selfish… I can endure… Just for a while longer… When everything finally settles things will be better…'
Knock, knock, knock
"Milady, can I come in," Josephine called out.
Gabrielle looked towards the door, fear freezing her body.
'I can't let Josephine see me, not like this…'
"Just a moment," Gabrielle responded, her eyes darting around the room.
