Not Going Anywhere

Nicholas sat in his study, his fingers gripping the edge of his desk so tightly his knuckles turned white. A single candle flickered beside him, casting long shadows against the cold stone walls. His mind was a storm, filled with the thoughts that had consumed him for months now.

Selena.

His soon-to-be wife.

She had refused him multiple times. She had humiliated him in front of the entire noble society. And yet, none of that mattered.

He was going to marry her.

There was no alternative. No other path.

Selena belonged to him, and the sooner she understood that, the better.

Nicholas ignored the sharp pain in his palm as his nails dug into his skin. He was losing patience. He had given her space, allowed her to play her little games, to let her anger run its course. She was taking too long. Did she not realize what she was doing? Did she not understand how dangerous this was for her?