Sleep did not come easily for either of them over the next few days. He was tormented by the sight of her in the courtyard. And she, her ordeal up to the branding.

Whatever medication she was taking helped numb the pain. The swelling had subsided but she knew she had to be careful as she slowly got out of bed. Moving towards the mirror she subconsciously reached for her head. Though her hair had started to grow back nothing would ever erase her what had happened.

The doors opened ...