Nathaniel had let it go as he knew it was an accident but those nights she had to bandage him and the lovemaking was much more aggressive. It was almost like he was taking his anger out on her with the rougher sex. Rose didn't complain. She was excited by it and always responded to him. Nathaniel had become more aggressive in the practice ring as well.
The more he pushed her, the more anger she felt. She used her anger at feeling weak and helpless to help her fight back. There was one day she was getting so tired that it was hard to keep the sword held up. Several of the knights were watching them practice. Nathaniel was besting her at every turn. When one of the knights told him to just finish the mute off and be done with it, she felt her anger rise.