I knelt beside him, taking his hand in mine again. This time, I gently massaged the scar on his cheek, hoping to provide some relief from the pain. As I did so, my mind drifted back to our wedding day...

"Do you remember what we promised each other?" I asked him softly. "That no matter what happened, we would always be there for one another? Through thick and thin?"

*He nodded slowly, his eyes locked on mine.

*I glanced over at the door, noting the curious expressions of the other servants. A pang of guilt shot through me as I realized how lucky we were to have found each other amidst such turmoil. But it only strengthened my resolve to make things right between us.

"Then let's keep that promise,"

I urged him, meeting his gaze with determination.

"No matter what anyone else says or thinks, we are in this together. Forever." *