The Bride He Hates-Chapter 35: Beginning With A Blast

The morning of the first day of the gathering brought a buzz of nervousness through Thornfield Castle. Lyanna stood in her chambers as Clara tied the last clasps of her gown. She wore a deep emerald silk gown that made her look regal. Clara then put a silver crown on her head, it was lighter than she’d expected but heavy with responsibility.

"You look beautiful, Your Majesty." Clara said softly.

Lyanna looked at her reflection and noticed how her appearance was changing with each passing day. She noticed how she looked more mature, stronger and poised now. But whether it was real growth or just survival, she wasn’t sure.

Azrael was waiting when she came to the chambers after getting ready. He wore a formal black coat like always but this time with emerald threading, matching her. His eyes swept over her for a moment, assessing her.

"Acceptable. Remember everything that Helena has taught you. Stay close and follow my lead."

There was no warmth in his voice. He was just giving a command. But then he had been like this since always.

They walked to the main hall together. The space was filled with hundreds of old and powerful vampires, all dressed in their extravagant attire. The air was literally pulsing with supernatural energy.

"Steady." Azrael murmured as his hand grabbed her back. While his touch looked romantic to others, to her, it felt controlling. "Smile. You’re a queen, not a victim."

King Damien arrived first. He clasped Azrael’s forearm in the traditional warrior greeting.

"Thornfield. Good to see peace hasn’t made you soft."

He then turned to Lyanna, and she braced herself for dismissal or insult. Instead, he bowed slightly, showing her respect.

"Queen Lyanna. You’ve grown into your role since the wedding. Well done."

The unexpected praise made her feel relieved.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Shadowmere’s support means a lot to Thornfield."

Damien grinned fiercely.

"Pretty words, but I like that you didn’t grovel. Helena has trained you well." He walked past them into the hall, followed by his war council.

Azrael’s grip tightened slightly on her back.

"Good."

The temperature in the hall once again dropped when Queen Elise entered. She wore a white silk gown that hugged her every curve, cut so provocatively that it was borderline obscene. Her red hair was beautifully styled, and her eyes gleamed with predatory interest as they landed on Azrael. She walked like a serpent, looking both graceful and dangerous.

"Your Majesty." She cooed, walking straight past Lyanna as if she were just furniture.

She hugged Azrael, her hands sliding over his chest in an intimate manner.

"It’s been far too long. You look absolutely delightful."

Lyanna’s nails dug into her palms. Her face burned with rage but she suppressed it. Her every instinct told her to shove Elise away, to remind her of her place, but Helena’s voice echoed in her mind.

Don’t react.

Azrael smoothly pulled himself away, stepping back with politeness.

"Queen Elise. Welcome to Thornfield." He grabbed Lyanna’s waist, pulling her forward slightly.

"I trust you remember my wife?"

The emphasis on the wife was intentional. Elise’s smile became nasty.

"Of course. The human bride." She looked at Lyanna dismissively. "How... quaint. That gown is lovely, dear. Very appropriate for someone so new to court life."

The insult was dripped in fake sweetness. Lyanna forced herself to stay calm.

"Thank you, Queen Elise. You look stunning as always. White is quite a bold choice, so pure."

The implication that Elise was not was clear. Several nearby vampires smirked. Elise’s eyes flashed dangerously, but she couldn’t react without looking petty.

"Charming." She said coldly, then walked past them into the hall, with her entourage following.

Once she was gone, Azrael squeezed Lyanna’s waist.

"Careful. You’ve started a fight with that comment. She’ll retaliate."

"I know." Lyanna replied with a smile. "But I don’t want to look weak in front of her."

Lord Richard of Eclipse Court then arrived with Sylvia.

"King Azrael, Queen Lyanna. Thank you for hosting this gathering. These are troubled times. Unity among courts is essential."

He looked at Lyanna.

"The last time we met, you showed your diplomatic skills. I look forward to seeing how you handle the social complexities of this gathering."

It was a test disguised as praise. Lyanna bowed her head slightly.

"I hope to prove worthy of Eclipse Court’s alliance, Lord Richard. Your support has been invaluable to Thornfield."

"Indeed." Lord Richard walked past, but Sylvia stayed.

She looked at Azrael with interest. She’d been promised to Adrian in the last alliance negotiation, but still, she had eyes for Azrael.

"Your Majesty." Sylvia said. "You must save me a dance at tonight’s ball. We have so much to catch up on."

The invitation was inappropriate considering Azrael’s marriage, and everyone knew it. Lyanna felt anger rise but kept her expression neutral.

"My first dance is promised to my wife, Lady Sylvia. But perhaps the second dance, if Queen Lyanna allows it." Azrael replied smoothly.

He turned the decision to Lyanna, making her look generous if she agreed, and petty if she refused. She wanted to refuse, wanted to tell Sylvia to keep her hands off, but that would be showing weakness.

"Of course." Lyanna replied with a smile. "I’m sure Lady Sylvia will enjoy the dance."

Sylvia smiled as she walked away.

"You’re learning." Azrael whispered once she was gone. "That was the right choice even if it hurt to make it."

"Don’t patronize me." Lyanna whispered back, still smiling.

"I’m not. I’m just acknowledging your tactical skills. Take the compliment."

Soon, the welcome ceremony began. Azrael and Lyanna sat on their thrones. Azrael gave an extraordinary speech. He talked about unity, shared threats, and the need for cooperation against enemies like the Holy Order. His voice carried authority that made even rival rulers listen to him respectfully. Then he did something unexpected.

"My queen wishes to address the gathered courts as well."

Every eye turned to Lyanna. This wasn’t planned, they hadn’t discussed her speaking. Her mind went blank with panic.

What am I supposed to say? Why is he doing this?

Then she understood. It was another test. Helena’s training kicked in. She stood up, felt Azrael’s eyes on her, and felt the weight of hundreds of vampires judging her.

"Lords and Ladies," She began. "I stand before you as proof that vampire society is stronger than a bloodline’s mistakes."

She noticed some vampires leaning forward with interest while others looked skeptical. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"My family betrayed you. My mother provided intelligence to the Holy Order that resulted in vampire deaths. I cannot undo that. I cannot erase the pain. But I can..."

The doors of the hall exploded inward. A young, bloodied vampire stumbled through. He collapsed to one knee, gasping.

"Attack!" He shouted. "The Holy Order is attacking the southern villages! There are hundreds of hunters led by someone calling themselves The Leader!"

Chaos erupted. Vampires started shouting, reaching for their weapons, turning to their leaders for orders. The ceremony erupted into panic. Azrael stood up instantly.

"Victor! Get intelligence. Adrian, organize our forces. Richard, we need magical reconnaissance on the attack’s scope."

Commands were given as the hall shifted into war mode. Azreal turned to Lyanna.

"Return to the chambers. Now."

"No. I can help. I know those villages. I studied the maps. I can coordinate evacuations."

Every vampire nearby heard her refuse him publicly at the worst possible moment. Azrael’s eyes flashed with anger. Then he realized, he couldn’t argue with her in front of everyone without looking weak. He couldn’t force her without appearing tyrannical.

"Fine."

He strode from the dais, walking towards the war council gathering near the strategy tables. Lyanna followed him with her heart racing, wondering if she’d just made a terrible mistake or finally found her purpose in this revenge

marriage.