She sat on the edge of the bed, hands folded in her lap, head bowed. The golden embroidery of her wedding dress shimmered in the dim light of the room, but she felt none of its beauty. Her heart pounded against her ribs, the weight of the day sinking into her bones. She was married. To a man she barely knew. A man who had barely spoken to her beyond the vows.

The door opened with a creak. Her fingers curled tighter in her lap. She didn't dare look up.