Nikolai was in his chambers, still awake despite it being late into the night, his room dimly lit by the lamp in the corner and a few candles assorted around the room. He was shirtless, standing before a mirror as his eyes fell to the scars that riddled his body, a frown curling his ever perfect lips as he found imperfections everywhere he could.

He hadn’t noticed you entering until the door closed and your eyes met his in the reflection of the mirror, his expression softening upon seeing you.