Ruby lowered her head because she didn't want to see the green and red colors that surrounded the hearts of the people in the courtroom. One by one, they cornered Ruby and even accused her of being a liar.
It was always like that. People tended to accuse her of lying because they trusted her father more. Even after she became queen, people still didn't want to believe her words easily.
"Ruby." Matthew stroked his wife's hands. "I'm here."
Ruby was startled. Matthew's voice sounded warm and gentle, calming her heart and making all the ominous whispers she heard disappear.
"We can prove their abuse to you after this." Matthew reminded her, "I know it's hard for you, but we must do it."
Although Marquess and Marchioness Barnette could spin the facts by saying they only wanted to discipline Ruby, the lash marks on her back were not something that could be faked.
