Forced Vows

Author's POV

Nikolai stopped behind her chair. His dark, obsessive gaze raked over her reflection in the ornate vanity mirror.

"You are looking beautiful." He spoke softly, his voice a low rumble in the quiet room.

Ksenia offered no reaction. Her head throbbed with a heavy, rhythmic ache from hours of relentless crying. She just stared at her own pale face, realizing she should not be surprised