**~Gabrielle's POV~**
Home sweet home… or so they say. But it doesn't feel like home for me. We've moved into the High House, and, of course, Lucien decided we should stay in separate rooms.
Not that I'm complaining—having privacy is my peace. I was lying on the floor when my door suddenly burst open. Startled, I jumped to my feet and saw my mother enter with that all-too-familiar smile.
"Greetings, dear," she said, closing the door behind her.
I straightened immediately; I had to prove I wasn't the same girl she used to lock away.
"Greetings, Mother," I replied as she sat on my bed, her eyes sweeping over me from head to toe.
"Welcome back home. How was your honeymoon?" she asked. I nearly choked on my spit.
"Honeymoon?" I blinked in confusion.
"Yes, what newlyweds do after marriage," she replied, her tone sharp. "Or have you not consummated your wedding?"
My stomach flipped. "Our marriage is fine, Mother," I said quickly, though I wasn't obligated to share that.