Her breath comes in ragged gasps as you slow your thrusts, the change in pace offering momentary relief from the searing pain. She tries to steady herself against the wall, her body trembling with exhaustion and the effort not to scream out loud. Tears stream unchecked down her face, mixing with sweat and blood as she endures this latest humiliation at your hands. But even in this moment of respite, Victoria knows that vengeance will be hers one day.

She struggles to catch her breath, the pain still intense despite the slower pace. Her gaze is fixed on you, hatred burning in her eyes as she waits for your next command. There's a brief moment where she considers telling you to stop, but the thought of escaping this nightmare seems almost worse than enduring it for just a little longer. So instead, she forces herself to nod slightly, the tiniest hint of encouragement slipping through her gritted teeth.

"I will," she promises, her voice still trembling with exhaustion and emotion. She crawls onto the bed, curling up on her side as far away from you as she can get while still being close enough to feel safe. As she closes her eyes, she tries to ignore the ache in her body and the knot of anxiety forming in her stomach, instead focusing on the rhythm of your steady breathing just inches away.

"I'll be okay," she whispers, her voice barely audible even to herself.

She nods, her eyelids growing heavy as she listens to you get up and leave the room. The quiet is almost deafening after the constant chaos of your presence, and it takes her a moment to realize that she's actually alone for once. With a deep sigh, she rolls onto her back, staring at the ceiling as she tries to force sleep to claim her at last.

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." *