The Bride He Hates-Chapter 111: Fresh Start

That evening, they had dinner together in their chambers. It felt strange, yet familiar.

"This is awkward." Lyanna smiled.

Azrael laughed in response.

"It indeed is. We’re acting as if we’ve never eaten a meal together before."

"We’re being too careful. We both are trying so hard not to mess up that we’re not being natural."

"You’re right. So how do we fix that?"

"Maybe we just... need time to figure out how to be comfortable with each other again."

"We need to get away." Azrael replied.

"What?"

"Get away from Thornfield. Somewhere we can just be alone together, without all these kingdom responsibilities."

"Like a vacation?"

"Like a honeymoon. We never had one. What do you think?"

"The council would object, especially right after the Crimson Cross attack."

"I don’t care what the council objects to. Adrian, Victor and Morgana can handle things for a week. The repairs are already underway. The crisis is over. We can take a week off."

"A week?"

"Yes. Somewhere quiet where we can focus on each other. Somewhere we can rebuild what we broke. Somewhere we can learn to communicate without fighting."

Lyanna felt her heart flutter with excitement.

"Where would we go?"

"There’s a cottage in the mountains, about a day’s travel from here. It is remote and peaceful. I acquired it centuries ago but never used it. It’s fully stocked and maintained by a caretaker who lives in the nearby village."

"That sounds...perfect. We can finally be together without everyone watching, judging and offering opinions. Let’s have the honeymoon we never got."

Azrael smiled and Lyanna could see his happiness in his eyes. She smiled back. They hadn’t been this happy in months. In that moment, they realized that no matter how complicated and messy their relationship became, their happiness belonged to each other.

"When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow. Before anything else can go wrong."

After a while, Azrael went to speak with Adrian about the urgent repairs from the Crimson Cross attack.

"I won’t be long." He promised. "An hour at most. Will you be okay?"

"I’ll be fine." She assured him. "I need to pack anyway."

He kissed her forehead and left.

Lyanna started packing immediately. Time was less. She was folding a dress when she heard a knock at the door.

"Your Majesty, may I come in?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Lyanna froze. It was Sienna.

She turned and saw her standing by the door.

"Yes." She replied.

Sienna entered, closing the door behind her.

"I heard that you and His Majesty are reconciling."

"We are."

Sienna fell silent for a moment, gathering her courage.

"I came to apologize." Sienna said. "For trying to take the position that belonged to you. For making you feel like you were competing with me for your own husband’s attention. I knew I was crossing boundaries. I knew I was making you uncomfortable. But I did it anyway."

"Why?" Lyanna asked, genuinely curious.

"Because I’ve been in love with him for decades. And the feelings were still there. But he only saw me as his friend, and valued me as an advisor."

Lyanna didn’t know what to say.

"I watched him during your separation. I saw him fall apart without you. And I realized, his heart belongs to you. I was never an option."

She sighed.

"I’m leaving Thornfield tonight. His Majesty doesn’t know yet. I wanted to tell you first."

"You’re leaving?"

"As long as I’m here, I’ll be a shadow over your marriage. You and His Majesty deserve a fresh start without me complicating things again."

"Where will you go?"

"The Eastern Territories. I’ve been offered a position there. It’s a good opportunity." She bowed. "I genuinely wish you both happiness together."

"Thank you." Lyanna replied. "For being honest."

"It’s the least I could do. I’m sorry I let my feelings create problems in your marriage. I hope you can forgive me."

She left without waiting for her response, too embarrassed.

Lyanna sat on the bed, thinking about the situation. Sienna was leaving on her own.

It felt like one more obstacle had been removed from their marriage. She was happy.

After finishing her packing, Lyanna sat at the desk in their chambers and wrote a letter to Roland.

Roland,

I’m writing to tell you that I’m staying at Thornfield. Azrael and I have decided to give our marriage another chance.

I know this isn’t what you hoped to hear and I know choosing Azrael may feel like a rejection.

But I had no other option. I still love Azrael, and I don’t think it’s possible for me to love anyone else in this life.

Thank you for being kind when I needed kindness. Thank you for being patient when I was a mess. Thank you for helping me realize what I actually wanted instead of what I thought I should want.

I’m sure you’ll find someone who loves you the way you deserve. She will be the luckiest woman.

Wishing you happiness always.

Lyanna

Later that night, when Azrael returned, he saw Lyanna standing on their balcony, looking out at the stars.

"Can’t sleep?" He asked, joining her.

Lyanna shook her head.

"I still can’t believe we’re together in Thornfield again. It feels surreal."

"Same here. I keep thinking tomorrow I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone."

Lyanna held his hand.

"I’m not going anywhere."

Azreal smiled. They stood together for a while with their fingers intertwined, watching the night sky.

"Can I tell you something embarrassing?" Azrael said suddenly.

"Always." She smiled.

"I’ve never actually been on a vacation. Since I turned into a vampire I’ve never just... gone somewhere for fun. It has always been diplomatic missions or war councils."

Lyanna laughed.

"You’re telling me I’m about to go on my honeymoon with someone who doesn’t know how to relax?"

"Probably." Azrael confessed with a sheepish smile. "You might have to teach me."

"This is going to be entertaining then," Lyanna said, grinning. "Can you even remember the last time you did something just because it was fun?"

Azrael thought for a second.

"Every happy moment with you was fun for me." He replied.

"What would you have done without me?" She rolled her eyes playfully.

"I don’t know. Maybe just existing."

Lyanna smiled.

"Don’t worry. I’ll teach you how to be lazy and fun."

"I can’t wait for that."