The Bride He Hates-Chapter 27: A Human Guest With A Tempting Offer

A week later, Thornfield received some unexpected news. Victor arrived with a message in the council chamber where Azrael was reviewing territorial reports with Helena and Adrian. Lyanna had been summoned as well, though she wasn’t sure why.

"Your Majesty, we’ve received a formal request for an audience from Valdris." Victor put a sealed letter on the table. "Ambassador Roland is en route with a small diplomatic contingent. He will arrive in two days."

The room went silent. Lyanna saw surprise on Helena’s face, and Adrian’s hand immediately moved towards his sword. Even Azrael raised his eyebrows.

"Valdris?" Azrael repeated. "The human kingdom on our southern border?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Victor looked worried. "The letter says they want to discuss matters regarding territorial security and unlawful activities."

"This is unusual. Human kingdoms rarely send ambassadors to vampire courts. We stay in our territories, they stay in theirs. That’s the rule."

"Could be a trap." Adrian said immediately. "Lure us into a diplomatic situation, then attack or gather intelligence for a future assault."

"Possible." Azrael agreed. "But unlikely. Valdris has been neutral towards vampires for generations. They’ve never given us a reason to suspect them."

"If they’re reaching out, it’s because they want something or they’re preparing for conflict. Either way, we need to be cautious."

Azrael nodded, thinking about political complications. Then he looked at Lyanna, who’d been sitting quietly, listening to the discussion.

"You’re human. You understand human culture and diplomatic conventions better than us. You’ll attend this meeting with the council." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Is he giving me responsibility? He wants me to actually participate in the meeting rather than being a decorative piece?

"Can you do that without embarrassing me?" He asked.

Here he goes again!!

"Yes." Lyanna replied.

Azrael turned back to Victor.

"Send word to Ambassador Roland that Thornfield welcomes his delegation and will grant a formal audience in two days. Prepare appropriate chambers for the human contingent."

"And security?" Adrian asked.

"Standard diplomatic protocols." Azrael replied and stood up, indicating the meeting was over.

Two days later, Ambassador Roland arrived with his delegation. The formal reception happened in Thornfield’s main hall. Azrael stood at the centre with Lyanna beside him, along with Adrian, Helena, and Victor.

Lyanna had expected Roland to be older. Instead, he looked barely thirty, quite young for such an important position.

Roland bowed to Azrael with courtesy, acknowledging his power while maintaining his own dignity.

"Your Majesty, King Azrael. Thank you for receiving our delegation. Valdris is honoured by your hospitality."

"Ambassador Roland, welcome to Thornfield. We’re curious about what brings Valdris to our court."Azrael said.

Roland smiled and turned to Lyanna, bowing.

"Your Majesty, Queen Lyanna. It’s an honour to meet another human in vampire society. Your reputation has reached Valdris. They speak of your intelligence, your grace, and your success in a world which is very different from the one you were born into."

"Thank you for the kind words. Welcome to Thornfield. I hope your journey was pleasant." Lyanna greeted.

"Quite pleasant, Your Majesty. Thank you for asking." Roland smiled genuinely.

Small talk continued for several more minutes. Lyanna observed Roland, trying to read him the way Helena had taught her.

He was nervous but not afraid. And most importantly, he kept glancing at her. He gave her quick, subtle looks that he probably thought went unnoticed.

Finally, Azrael gestured towards the council chamber.

"Shall we discuss the reason for your visit more privately? Your guards can wait in the reception hall, and enjoy the refreshments."

He nodded and they walked towards the council chamber. Azrael sat at the head of the table, with Lyanna on his right. Helena and Victor sat across from them, while Adrian stood near the door. Roland sat at the opposite end of the table, with his aide beside him.

"Your Majesty, I’ll be clear about why Valdris has sought this audience. We’re facing vampire raids on our border villages. Our villages are being attacked at night, and residents are drained of blood. Some victims are being turned without consent and abandoned, creating vampires who then attack other territories because they lack control and guidance."

Azrael’s expression darkened, but he let Roland continue.

"These raids have increased in the past six months. We’ve lost over a hundred citizens. There are factions in Valdris calling for war against all vampires. We don’t want war. But we can’t let our people be slaughtered. So we’re here to request your help."

"Are you sure those vampires are from Thornfield?" Azrael asked.

"Your Majesty, we’ve had rumours of an unsanctioned faction in the eastern forest, near the Valdris border. They’re not officially part of Thornfield’s court, but they are technically on our lands." Victor replied before Roland could respond.

Azrael’s face burned with anger. These rogues were maligning Thornfield’s reputation.

"What exactly do you want, Ambassador?" Azrael asked."Should we hunt these vampires ourselves or do you need permission to send your own hunters into my territory?"

"Ideally, we’d like your forces to handle this. You understand vampire behaviour better than we do, you can deal with them better than us, and it would spread the message that Thornfield doesn’t tolerate lawless behaviour even from its own kind.

But...if you’re unwilling, then, we’d request permission for a limited hunting force to enter your territory for this specific purpose."

Silence fell. Azrael was tapping his fingers on the table, a gesture that meant he was seriously thinking. Lyanna could see Roland getting more nervous with each passing second.

"Your hunters in my territory are unacceptable. Moreover, human hunters can’t distinguish between rogue vampires and innocent residents. However, I agree that this problem should be solved. Here’s my offer:

I’ll send my own forces to eliminate the rogue faction, led by Lord Adrian. I’ll personally ensure that the operation is completed within one month.

In exchange, I want you to ensure that no human hunters will cross the border during this operation."

"We accept. I’ll personally ensure that our borders are monitored to prevent unauthorised crossings. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Throughout this entire exchange, Lyanna had been observing both sides. The way Roland kept glancing at her was worrying.

As the meeting ended and they stood up to leave, Roland approached Lyanna.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your gracious hospitality. It’s good to see a human queen having such influence in vampire governance."

The comment was diplomatic, but there was something that made it sound like a warning.

As the others began walking towards the door, Roland stepped slightly closer to Lyanna.

"Your Majesty, I don’t know your circumstances." He whispered so only she could hear. He looked at Azrael who was talking to Adrian." But if you ever need help... remember Valdris offers shelter to humans in distress, even queens. We would help you, if you want to leave."

Lyanna was stunned. She didn’t know how to respond. She didn’t know if she should feel outraged that he suggested such a thing or be tempted by his offer.

Before she could respond, Azrael came to them.

"Ambassador Roland, I hope you weren’t discussing anything inappropriate with my wife?"

Everyone in the room fell silent. Roland’s face paled slightly, but he didn’t show fear.

"Of course not, Your Majesty. I was just expressing my admiration for Queen Lyanna’s grace and hospitality. Valdris has great respect for her."

"I’m sure you do."Azrael replied. "Though I couldn’t help but notice you were standing quite close for a simple exchange of pleasantries, and speaking quite quietly, as if you didn’t want others to overhear your admiration."

His hand tightened on Lyanna’s waist, a clear signal to Roland that she belonged to him.

"In vampire culture, approaching another male’s wife in such an intimate manner can be seen as a challenge. I assume that’s not what you meant?"

Lyanna could feel the tension radiating from Azrael’s body.

"Absolutely not, Your Majesty. I meant no disrespect to you or to your marriage. I apologize if my behaviour was inappropriate by vampire standards. Human diplomatic conventions are different. I should have been more mindful of cultural differences."

The excuse was diplomatic and probably saved his life.

"Cultural misunderstanding. Of course." His tone made it clear he didn’t believe that. "Lord Victor will escort you to your quarters. I’m sure you’re tired from your journey. We’ll continue the discussion tomorrow."

Roland bowed to Azrael and Lyanna and left with Victor. Once they were alone with Adrian and Helena, Azrael turned to Lyanna and looked at her with so much possessiveness that she felt exposed.

"I’ll see you for dinner in our chambers in the evening." He said in his dangerous tone and Lyanna knew the dinner was going to be explosive.