The Bride He Hates-Chapter 51: Six Years Ago

SIX YEARS AGO

Eighteen year old Lyanna sat in the castle library, surrounded by poetry and romance novels. She was reading about a princess who fell in love with a wandering knight when her mother called her.

"Lyanna, darling. Put the book down. We need to talk."

Lyanna’s stomach clenched at the sound of Queen Isabelle’s tone. That mix of sweetness and firmness meant something unpleasant was coming.

She marked the page and looked up to see her mother standing at the door. Behind her, Lyanna’s father, King Edmund, looked uncomfortable.

"What is it, Mother?"

Isabelle stepped into the room and sat on the chair opposite her.

"You’re eighteen now." Isabelle began. "Your father and I have been thinking about your future, and a very advantageous opportunity has come up."

"What kind of opportunity?"

"A marriage proposal." Isabelle said with a smile. "From a very powerful family. The alliance would solidify our position for generations."

The library suddenly felt smaller, and the air felt heavier. Lyanna knew this would come, eventually, noble daughters were always married off for political advantages, but she had hoped for a few more years.

"With whom?" She asked, though a part of her didn’t want to know.

Her parents exchanged a look, and her father cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"King Azrael Thornfield of Thornfield Court."

"A vampire? You want me to marry a vampire?"

"Not just any vampire." Isabelle said. "One of the most powerful vampire kings alive. Thornfield is the largest and wealthiest vampire territory. An alliance with them would protect us from both human and supernatural threats. It’s an honour that he’s even interested in marrying into our house."

"But I’m human. How would that even work? Vampires are different. They drink blood. They live forever. I’d age and die while he’ll remain young."

"True." His father replied. "But the political advantages are huge, and Thornfield has offered very generous terms. They’d protect our territories, agree to trade agreements, and provide military support if we face any threats. In these uncertain times, with the Holy Order becoming more aggressive, having vampire allies could be the difference between survival and destruction."

"There are ways to address the mortality issue." Isabelle said. "If the marriage is successful, you can be turned. You’d never have to age or die."

The casual way her mother discussed transforming her into a vampire made Lyanna sick.

"I don’t want to be a vampire." She said. "I don’t want to marry someone I’ve never met. I don’t want..."

"What you want is irrelevant." Isabelle cut her off. "You are the daughter of a minor kingdom in a dangerous world. Your marriage can secure our family’s future. This is your duty, Lyanna. This is what you were born for."

The conversation continued for another hour, but Lyanna had no choice. Her parents had already agreed to the marriage, already accepted the Thornfield’s terms, and set the wedding date. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

She had only three months before she’d be married to a vampire king she had never met. After her parents left, Lyanna sat in the library, staring blankly, trying to wrap her head around what her life had just become. All her dreams of marrying someone she liked, someone she could love, someone human died in a single conversation.

Her older brother Lucian came to her an hour later.

"Mother told me." He said and sat on the chair. "I’m sorry, Lyanna. I tried to protest, but my father believes that the political benefits are too important to let go."

"Did you meet him?" Lyanna asked. "King Azrael? When did the negotiations happen?"

Lucian shook his head.

"No. His representatives handled everything. Apparently, he’s been very busy lately, focused on strengthening his power in his territories. But I’ve heard about him. He’s centuries old, powerful and a brilliant strategist. He is ruthless but fair to his people."

Over the next few days, Lyanna tried everything she could. She begged her mother to reconsider, pleaded with her father, even tried to convince her brothers to help her run away. But nothing worked.

The worst part was that nobody understood why she was so upset. Her mother treated this as a wonderful opportunity, something Lyanna should be thankful for. Her father looked guilty but wouldn’t budge from the decision. Even the castle staff treated it like exciting news, after all, their lady was marrying a powerful king! How romantic!

But there was nothing romantic about it. It was a political transaction, they were trading her like a piece of property to gain benefits for the family.

A week after the announcement, a formal letter arrived from Thornfield. It was addressed to Lyanna.

Lady Lyanna Graves,

I understand our upcoming marriage was arranged without your consultation and consent. While I cannot change that fact, I want you to know that I have no intention of being a cruel or neglectful husband. I hope we can build a respectful partnership, if not immediate affection.

I know that marrying a vampire must be uncomfortable for a human woman. I’m willing to answer any questions you have about vampire society, about what your life in Thornfield would be like, or about me personally. You may write to me directly, and I will answer honestly.

The wedding will proceed as planned, but I want you to enter this marriage with as much knowledge and preparation as possible. You deserve at least this much respect.

Respectfully,

King Azrael Thornfield

The letter was surprisingly thoughtful. The letter suggested he wasn’t a monster, and that maybe this wouldn’t be the nightmare she had been imagining.

But before Lyanna could write back, her mother found the letter.

"What is this?" Isabelle asked, picking up the letter from Lyanna’s writing desk.

"A letter from King Azrael." Lyanna answered. "He said I could write to him if I have any questions about..."

"Absolutely not." Isabelle cut her off, reading the letter angrily. "You will not be communicating with him before the wedding."

"Why not? He is willing to answer the questions, to help me prepare..."

"Because I said so." Isabelle snapped, but then immediately softened her voice. "Darling, you don’t know about the vampires. They’re manipulative creatures. He’s trying to charm you with pretty words to make you compliant during the wedding. But remember, he’s a predator, and you’re the prey that he has acquired through politics."