She awoke in a mess of sheets with a feeling of arms wrapped around her and her head on something warm. Gabrielle gave a blush as she realized...she was in the arms of her husband. Husband...what a strange word. She carefully got up and made as little noise as she could. She looked down at his sleeping face, with his white hair he almost looked angelic; even though Gabrielle knew he was far from it. Quietly, as she could she went to the wardrobe and silently pulled out a green dress and then made her way to the washroom. Her first order of business was to wash the small amounts of dried blood between her thighs. She quickly washed the blood along with the rest of her body and her hair. Drying thoroughly, before stepping out.

She switched into the green dress and brushed her hair, and put on her tiara, before stepping out. She was surprised to see Adrian already up and already dressed in his king's uniform. She remembered herself and gave a curtsey.

"Good morning, my-" She stopped herself remembering what he told her about calling him 'my lord' in private. "-I mean good morning, Adrian." She rose back back up.

"Good morning, to you Gabrielle." He went over and laid a light kiss on her. It seemed so chaste...compared to his kisses from last...night; rough and hungry.

"I am surprised that you got up before me. I thought it was suppose to be a man who flees after love making." Gabrielle gave a deep blush at that.

"Sorry...Adrian." She said in a quiet voice.

"It's fine, my dear." He walked past her to the window, "Breakfast should arrive soon. I have about an hour until I am needed in my council. Until you are called to the throne room you are free to yourself. However, Miss Goose wants to speak with you." Gabrielle gave a curious expression.

"Did she say what it was about?" She asked him.

"Perhaps." He answered, casually.

"What do you mean by perhaps?" He turned to her with a knowing grin on his face.

"I think you would enjoy it more too have it as a surprise.

"Oh...I see." She decided not to push him for more information, despite her great curiosity about what Miss Goose would want with her. Breakfast arrived shortly after, and both of them set down to dine. Adrian gave her a brief summary of the affairs of state.

"The Kodasians' crown prince is taking the throne." Gabrielle looked up at him.

"Isn't that the country you defeated a year ago?" Adrian gave a nod,

"Their country was devastated and many areas salted, but the prince seems to have revenge on his heart for me, for causing his father such humiliation and lost." Adrian slipped his tea calmly, "Of course, it would be a most foolish move to declare war against us because their army was so devastated that it will take several generations for their men to recover."

"And-" Gabrielle added "I am guessing that there is not much funds in the royal treasury to hire a mercenary army. Because most of it is going to the people whose lands have been salted."

"You are half-right." Adrian answered her, "They don't have much money, but they are not spending it on the people, but rather lavishing it on his court and concubines. His people are starving, but he and his concubines are eating off of golden plates. I expect their might be a peasant rebellion in at least in around a decade at least." Gabrielle gave him another curious look.

"Adrian how do you know this?" The king now gave a smirk.

"You will be surprised at how losing a war will cause nobles to turncoat when they don't have enough money to feed their peasants, or even themselves. I have many spies in the Kodasian court"

"But how can you trust them?" She asked,

"That's a good question. I trust them simply because they are not stupid and they know that their young king is greedy and foolish. Besides not even the king can command enough loyalty to stop people from responding to a grumbling stomach."

"I...see." She could see the wisdom in that. She remembers the times when Isodara made her go two days without eating and she often found herself fainting, or not being able to concentrate at all because of it. Being truly hungry was one of the worse feelings in the world, no doubt about that. They continued to make light chat. Gabrielle wanted to show she was an intelligent queen and could keep up with court events. She had no desire to live in pure luxury with every need attended too as she grew lazy and fat. No, she would be a good queen. The king eventually left her and she went on her way to Miss Goose seamstress room. When she entered she immediately notice how so many things had sheets on them.

"Oh, there you are, your majesty." Came Miss Goose's voice and Gabrielle turned to see the fae. She gave her a curtsy.

"Good morning, his majesty, told me you had something to show me." The fae gave an enthusiastic nod at that and went to pull back a sheet and Gabrielle let out a gasp and covered her mouth; at the sight before her. There was her mother's painting. The one that Isodara had sold. The one that she never thought she would ever see again.

"But...how...how..did you?" She couldn't get the words out, as she moved closer to the painting. She hadn't seen an image of her mother since her father's murder. Gabrielle began to weep tears of happiness. She felt Miss Goose come up beside her and the fae laid her hand on Gabrielle's small shoulder.

"I have had it for as long as it's been missing. I've been wanting to give it you, or let you see it for years now, but I couldn't. If I had shown you while you were a slave under Isodara, there is a chance you would have guessed something was 'magical' about me, or at least not quite human." Gabrielle wiped away her tears on her pink sleeve and looked back at her secret protector.

"I am not angry, I am just so happy I have it now." Miss Goose smiled more,

"I also wanted to give it too you earlier after the king rescued you, but he needed it for something." Gabrielle was surprised at this and looked to Miss Goose with a confused expression. Why would Adrian want the painting of her mother. Miss Goose read her expression.

"He wanted to make a copy of it...as a parting gift to his father. But don't worry because this is the original." Gabrielle gave a nod, she didn't mind if a copy had been made for King Oswald's sake.

"I am glad." She touched the old painting and smiled.

"Well, your majesty, I didn't just get your mother's painting, but all sorts of things from her. The fae lead the queen to the other sheet covered tables and began to unveil them. There were her mother's old, but still fine, gowns, dresses, shoes, jewels, hats, and all sorts of things. Gabrielle expected everything as memories came back to her of her mother wearing and using these things. It was so overwhelming.

"I'll have it moved to your chambers, if you would like." Miss Goose told her and this made Gabrielle lose focus on her mother's items as she turned back and smiled to the fae. She gave her a simple nod.

"That would be wonderful." She told her.

"Very well." The queen and fae talked for a while, as Miss Goose told her about how she had preserved everything with Fae magic, and that's why the dresses looked new and not faded, or worn. Finally, she heard someone enter the room; when they both turn they say a guard, who gave a bow.

"Your majesty, the king has summonsed you to the throne room. Court is about to begin." Gabrielle felt butterflies in her stomach at such a thing, but nodded. She followed the guard as her mind turned to court. This would be the first day of many she would be in court. When she entered the throne room, there was so many people, that she felt overwhelmed at the sight of them. She looked forward to see her king and she stepped forward and gave him a curtsy, a sign of respect to her husband and king.

She made her way, slowly, to the Queen's swan throne and took her place besides Adrian. A servant came up to her with a pillow and laying on it was a small tiara. Gabrielle bowed her head and the tiara was placed on her head. At this she heard the nobles give applause. She wasn't sure if it was because they were happy she was queen; or because they wanted favor with her, or more likely Adrian. The king banged his specter against the titled floor.

"Court is now in secession." He stated. Then it began. The nobles came to the front with their requests and petitions to the king. No, one asked her, of course. She was just a queen, the main purpose of which was to bare a son. However, it was known that the king could take counsel from his queen in private, but not looked highly on to take the advice of a woman in public. A good amount of the petitions were about the rebuilding of the noble homes that had been ruined during Adrian's invasion. They wanted them to be fixed as soon as possible. But Adrian said the common quarters needed the most repairs and it was almost complete. Many did not seem to like this, but Adrian kept his stance.

Gabrielle began thinking over such requests and had an idea, but she couldn't tell it too her husband, right now, because that would humiliate them in front of his court. Many of the nobles also tried to flatter Adrian, and possibly her. They spoke of what a beautiful woman that Adrian had chosen for his consort. Tough they never addressed her directly, she knew that she was a decoration in the room too them. Finally, the bell rang for a lunch break and Adrian got up and offered Gabrielle his arm, which she took.

They were lead to a private balcony where a dining table covered with foods had been laid out.

"Adrian...I have an idea about the nobles and how to stop them from complaining about their homes." The king gave her a look, as they both sat down.

"And what would that be, Gabrielle." She paused and took a deep breath.

"If they can't wait for their homes to be repaired then; have then take loans out from the treasury that they will have to pay back with interest. Either in land, or money." Adrian gave a pause and looked at her.

"Not many nobles would go for that." Gabrielle nodded at him.

"That is my point. They won't complain anymore if they find out that is what they have to do in order to get their homes repaired more quickly. After all, by the end of the month, as you said in court, the repairmen will begin to work on their homes, free of charge. They would think twice between waiting a few extra weeks and owing a debt to the crown."

"I will consider your council." He told her. For the rest of the lunch they did not discuss politics. They went back to court to finish up the last details of the day. Finally, they ate supper and went to bed. Gabrielle had butterflies in her stomach at the thought of going to bed with him again. She washed and changed. She climbed into bed and waited for her king. Adrian came to bed wearing just loose pants and no shirt, like the night before. He leaned over and gave her a kiss.

"Good night, my queen." He started to cover himself up and Gabrielle blinked in surprise.

"You are ready to go to bed...already?" Adrian looked over at her, with a neutral expression.

"What do you suggest we do?" His question caused Gabrielle's cheeks to grow hot and she looked down. At this Adrian started laughing.

"I had no idea that you were such a nymph, Gabrielle." He sat back up and kissed her. She moaned into the kiss and this time she pressed him back into the bed.

The next morning, at breakfast Adrian had something to inform her on.

"You have been invited to a charity lunch today." Gabrielle stop slipping her tea.

"Oh, what kind of charity?" She was curious about what she would do and all that. Would she make a fool or herself? She hoped not, she wanted to be a good queen to the people, even if the court viewed her as just a vessel to bear heirs from.

"A military hospital charity." Her eyes widened.

"What will I be expected to do...Adrian?"

"You will be at a lunch away across the street from the hospital." He informed her, as he sipped his own tea.

"Oh...so I won't be visiting the soldiers?" She sounded disappointed and she was. Gabrielle didn't see what the point of going to a charity for wounded soldiers when there weren't any soldiers there.

"Well...not officially, but you can make a visit after lunch." The blonde gave a bright smile at that.

"Thank you...I would like too do that." Adrian gave her a nod, as he sipped his tea before putting it down.

"I have also arranged a way for you to carry on your lessons with Kianda, with you full filly your duties as a queen." Gabrielle glanced at him curiously, with all the fuss about her becoming queen, she hadn't thought at all of her lessons with Kianda, or even teaching her to read. She suddenly felt like a horrible friend. Adrian continued, "You will be having your lessons with Kianda on Sunday, since that is the only day the court is off secession." She bowed her head to him. A part of her wanted to bring up her lessons on teaching Kianda to read, but she decided that was best to talk to her friend over.

The finished their breakfast and said their goodbyes. Gabrielle wouldn't have enough time to be present in court today. When Adrian left, Gabrielle went to the writing desk and started out making letters to her sisters. She made sure to be as subtle as possible when addressing Lisette in Estelle's letter because if her letters were intercepted, she had no desire for her own stepsister to be outed out as a woman lover.

Finally, she heard a knock at the door, just as she had finished a wake seal to Rosella's letter.

"Who is it?" She called to the person behind the door.

"Is is Kianda, captain of your guard, your majesty." Gabrielle wasn't use to Kianda addressing her so formally. But, she was queen now and Kianda was her guard, so it was invertible that some of their friendship would change, but she hoped not too much. Gabrielle picked up the letters carefully and went to the door too see Kianda and several other guards and servants.

"Good morning, Kianda." She told her, and then she handed her letters to a servant. "Please, mail these."

"Right away, your majesty." The servant said and took off. Now she looked back to Kianda.

"Good morning, your majesty." Kianda replied, in a formal tone. They started walking down the hallways.

"Kianda," Gabrielle addressed her, "His majesty, has given me, permission to visit the military hospital after my charity lunch."

"That will be done, your majesty." Then Kianda looked her over, "I am glad you aren't wearing white." At this Gabrielle felt a lump in her throat. There was no need for Kianda to clarify what she was saying; she knew that a hospital would be messy, and a military hospital would be likely much worse. Gabrielle wasn't wearing white, but a green dress with vines embroidered on it. Few of her dresses could be called plain now, that she became queen.. Gabrielle had to present herself well in front of the court and nobles in her best and most fashionable light. She was so thankful that Miss Goose had decided to become the royal seamstress.

They finally, went outside and Kianda climbed into the carriage with her. Gabrielle thanked Hestia that they were alone and she turned to her friend.

"Kianda-" She addressed her friend and fighting mentor, "'-Adrian has told me about us only having Sundays for lessons. I was thinking that we could rotate our Sundays so I can give you reading lessons on every other day of the week."

"Thank you, Gabrielle-" The queen was thankful, that Kianda was still addressing her by her given name in private "-But, his majesty, has hired an official tutor for me, so you will have more time to attend to your duties in court." Gabrielle stared at her Kianda.

"Oh...I see." She didn't understand fully why, but the thought of no longer spending time in the library, teaching Kianda to read, made her a bit sad. Maybe she had grown so use to bonding with her friend in such a way.

"Does this upset you?" Kianda, asked. Gabrielle blushed, Kianda had too sharp of senses, not to notice Gabrielle's sadness. The queen pretty much wore her heart on her sleeve, anyway. Gabrielle quickly shook her head.

"No, Kianda, I am in fact very happy. You now have a tutor. You can probably learn faster from a trained man than you could ever learn from me." She smiled at her. It was true, Kianda would learn at a faster and greater pace from a trained tutor than she could have have her. Gabrielle mentally slapped herself for having such selfish thoughts.

"If you say so." She could tell from Kianda's tone that the warrior woman wasn't believing her. Gabrielle sat in silence for the rest of the trip until they got too the manor where the charity lunch was too be had. Kianda stepped out first, followed by the queen. Kianda turned to her. Gabrielle could tell by her eyes that she was now in official duty mode.

"Me and my men will circle the manor makes sure no one gets in." She told the queen. Gabrielle looked across to the street and saw the Military Hospital. It was large, but looked like it was on it's last legs. The paint was old and peeling, and the windows were dusty. She could only imagine what a greater mess it would be inside. The captain of the Queen's guard noticed her gaze.

"Are you sure you want to go there, your majesty? I can assure you that it will not be a gentle sight." Gabrielle looked back at her and nodded.

"Just seeing it won't be even a tenth of what the men having to stay there have to go through and besides a queen needs to be strong in such things." She gave a little smile; which Kianda did not return, she just kept her neutral face. Gabrielle blinked, and an awkward moment passed between the friends. She was wondering if being queen had really changed their relationship so much? Did Kianda now count her as in a totally different position as to be her friend? Or did she think that being too friendly with the person you were suppose to protect was a bad idea? Either way, she didn't have time to think of it now, for the doors flew open.

Both queen and knight turned their attention to the door and witness a woman step out in a heavy and large pink dress that was bunched up with trails of laces on it. The sleeves were large and puffy, and the bodice was full and decorated with ribbons and lace. Her hair was also done up with many ribbons and curls. Gabrielle felt very under dressed compared to the woman in front of her. In contrast to the woman's very fancy dress, Gabrielle's dress was very plain in comparison with no ribbons or bows on it and her hair was done with her simple tiara on it. The woman in pink gave a pause and looked around. What was she looking at? Then Gabrielle realized with embarrassment that she was looking for the queen. Gabrielle was dressed in a beautiful dress, but it was hardly anything compared to what an opulent queen would wear. Finally the woman's eyes rested on Gabrielle's crown and her green eyes widened in acknowledgment.

"Your majesty..." There was some hesitation in her voice, like she wasn't sure if she was correct or not.

"Yes, my lady." Gabrielle responded to a look of relief on the woman's face; glad that she had not mistook the wrong person for queen. She quickly have the queen a curtsey, a rather impressive feat in her huge skirt.

"Oh greetings, your majesty!" The woman quickly stepped toward Gabrielle, her huge skirt brushing against Kianda, but the woman didn't seem too notice, or care. "I am so honored for you to attend, your majesty. I am Lady Regina." She hooked her arm around Gabrielle's and smiled brightly.

"Thank you, Lady Regina, for inviting me to your lunch." Gabrielle replied, modesty. Arrogance would never befit a true queen; she told herself.

"Oh, come inside, your majesty. So many ladies are so excited to greet our new queen." She hurried Gabrielle up the steps. The new queen was confused to whether this was appropriate, or not. But she said nothing, not wanting to spoil the mood; or give herself a reputation for being a bad guest.

They came into a beautiful and feminine parlor room where a group of women in large skirts, like Regina had, were gathered around a table and sipping tea. Gabrielle once again, felt undressed. She was not sure if they dressed so fancy for lunch; or because they were expecting the queen as a guest. Probably the latter, Gabrielle guessed. The ladies looked over at her and their eyes widened in surprise and they looked rather self-conscious. They looked down at their heavy skirts and were now wondering if they had accidentally outdone the queen. Gabrielle knew she had too correct this.

"Oh, my what lovely ladies I am having my first charity lunch with." She greeted them in a cheerful tone, wanting to dispel any tension in the air. "And what beautiful gowns you are all wearing. It makes the room so much more pleasant." She noticed the noble ladies were looking less insecure at her compliments and smiled back at her. This brought relief to the queen's heart. Regina quickly sat her down. Silence followed, and Gabrielle guessed they were waiting on the queen to speak. It now was dawning on the blonde the full responsibility of being queen. She was never a social butterfly; but now her marriage to the king had placed her in the lifelong position of being the center of attention at most events.

She remembered some advice about getting people to talk about themselves, so she put on her bravest smile and asked the girls there names; and once she got those she asked about their houses and interests. Gabrielle was surprised with how eagerly the women were opening up too her. She usually had negative experiences with noble women. They shared laughter together and a servant brought the tea and sandwiches in. Esme, the youngest girl there, brought up the subject of love.

"I think the love story of you and the king is so romantic." She said with a wistful sigh. Gabrielle felt her throat tightened. She had been trying to keep the conversation off herself; but looks like this girl was too curious and romantic for Gabrielle's own good.

"Why thank you," She told Esme, politely. However, it looked like the girl was not done, yet with her romantic fantasies.

"It's just amazing how he saved you from the cruelty of your stepmother like that." She gave a swoon.

"Why thank you, Esme. Oh, Esme...do you have any gentlemen in your life?" At this Esme turned a hot pink. At once the ladies began to talk about a beau of hers and Gabrielle inwardly sighed in relief at that. The avoided the subject of her courtship (if you could honestly call it that) with the king and had turned the attention toward someone else. She might get a hold of this queen thing, yet. Soon the lunch came to an end. Gabrielle got up.

"I hope you all have a pleasant evening, ladies. Right now, I am going to be paying a visit to the Military Hospital." She picked up her skirts and was about to leave; when she was interrupted.

"Oh, but, your majesty, that place is filthy and full of sickness and death." The other ladies nodded in agreement.

"Oh, thank you for all of your concern, but I fill it is my duty as queen to pay them a visit." The ladies looked at each other, and it was clear from their queen's decision. Gabrielle was tempted to offer them to join her; but thought better of it since it would put them in an awkward position. She simply said her goodbyes to each girl, making sure to pay them each an individual compliment. Which wasn't hard; since they had been such good hostesses to her.

She left and Kianda was outside waiting for her.

"Are you still sure, you want too visit the hospital?" Kianda asked her, and Gabrielle gave a nod. She wondered if Kianda's rather negative attitude toward her visit was either because she believed Gabrielle couldn't handle the sight; or out of her new duty as the captain of her guard. Either way, Kianda wasn't stopping her from going. She and an escort of guards made their way across the street, drawing quite a few looks. Finally, they were at the door of the hospital.

When the doors open the first thing that struck Gabrielle was the smell. It smelled horrible, but what else could she suspect out of the hospital. She looked around at the nurses with worn out and filthy aprons and wondered how they weren't wrinkling their noses at the smell. They must have somehow gotten use too it. She drew attention, as she entered. Obviously, wondering what a well dressed lady was doing in there, but eventually they noticed the crown.

"That's the queen." She heard in a loud whisper.

"Are you sure?" Came another.

"Yes, I was in the crowd when she was going to her wedding. Besides she's wearing the Queen's tiara." pointed out the first whisper. As the news in the hospital passed that the queen was here; a nurse in a much more decorated uniform came up to her and bowed. Gabrielle guessed that this was the head nurse.

"Your majesty, what brings you here?" The nurse had a nervous tone in her voice.

"I am here to pay the wounded soldiers a visit. If that is allowed." The head nurse rose up with a worried look on her face.

"Of course...it is allowed, your majesty, but are you sure...you want too go. I promise you; it is not a pretty sight." From the expression on her face, Gabrielle could tell the nurse was quite serious about this. However, Gabrielle had come too far to just turn away now.

"Yes, I am quite sure." The nurse gave her a nod and then nodded to her staff nurses.

"Then come with me, your majesty." So she was getting a tour from the head nurse herself. She lead her to the first room full of beds. She smell was even worse here, and no one had been exaggerating about the gruesome sight. She saw men with blood soaked patches, missing limbs, and general disfigurement.

"The queen has come to see you all." Announced the head nurse which caused most of the men too turn in her direction. However, a few of them were too tired, or wounded too do such a thing. Gabrielle gave a smile, despite all the pain in the room. She couldn't look disgusted. She went to the first bed and gave the man lying there a respectful curtsy.

"What is your name?" She asked him.

"George." He replied in a weak voice. She then spoke to him a short time and wished him well. She went to each of the beds and did the exact same thing, asking them their names and giving them respectful curtsies. Even though it was technically below her status as queen too give them a curtsy. However, Gabrielle felt the strong need too do it. For the men who couldn't speak, the head nurse gave her their names. She was then escorted into other rooms in the hospital and repeated the same process. It took several hours. But Gabrielle steeled herself, no matter how much her feet hurt, or how gruesome the soldier looked. She would always greet them politely, like she would greet a gentlemen in court.

"This is the last room, your majesty." Announced the head nurse. Gabrielle inwardly gave a sigh of relief and as did her feet. When they entered the room, Gabrielle noticed a little boy and woman were there. The woman was sitting on a chair by the bedside (of what Gabrielle guessed was her husband) and had her son in her lap. Once again, the head nurse introduced her and Gabrielle started to make her rounds.

The last bed was the little boy and his mother. She gave the solider in bed a curtsy and asked his name.

"I am Benjamin, your majesty." The wounded soldier answered her.

"I'm Ben!" The little boy cried. The mother was about to scold him for speaking to the queen like that, but Ben continued.

"Can I sit in your, lap, your majesty?" The mother gasped,

"Son, it is impolite for you too speak to the queen in such a way. Apologize." Before he did, Gabrielle spoke.

"I don't mind really, if he sits in my lap, but I am worried about taking your seat." The mother blinked at this, surprised that the queen was willing to let her commoner son sit in her lap.

"It is no problem for me to stand, your majesty, I have been seating for a long time." She motioned her eager son off her lap and gestured for the queen to sit on the wooden chair. Gabrielle sat down, and was so glad for a chance to rest. The boy was lifted by his armpits onto her lap.

"So you are really the queen?" He asked,

"Yes, I am really the queen."

"What is the king like?" He asked, and she saw his mother cringed at her son asking such bold questions; but Gabrielle was not offended.

"He has always been good to me. He is very serious and always working hard for the good of the kingdom and people like you." The boy asked more questions until Kianda informed her she now had too go. She gently placed Ben off her lap. Then she leaned down and kissed his forehead. The boy turned a bright red at this and had a sheepish grin to his face. The queen gave one last smile too him before she left.