The Bride He Hates-Chapter 66: Shattered Peace
Lyanna woke up the next morning wrapped in Azrael’s arms, feeling more relaxed than she
had been in weeks.
"Ready for today?" Azrael murmured into her hair, still hugging her.
"Yes. I hope Adrian has a better start than ours."
"Much better." Azrael agreed. "Though that’s a pretty low bar." He huffed.
Lyanna smiled and swatted his chest.
"Come on, let’s get dressed." Lyanna said.
Lyanna wore a lavender gown and stood in front of the mirror as Azrael fastened her necklace. When he was done, he softly kissed her shoulder, making her gasp.
"I don’t think this is the right time." Lyanna whispered.
"I know but every time I’m this close to you feels exactly right." He replied brushing his fingers on her collarbone.
Lyanna turned in his arms, looking at him.
"If we’re late, everyone will know exactly why." She said as her hands slid to his chest.
"I don’t care." He replied.
"But I’m not sure if I’m ready to walk into a room of people while still thinking about your lips on my body. So wait, at least until the vows are done."
He laughed.
"Fine. Fine. As you wish." He offered her his arm and she took it happily.
When they arrived at the venue, hundreds of vampires were already there. Adrian was standing at the altar, looking nervous. When he saw Azrael and Lyanna, he relaxed a bit.
"You look like you’re facing an execution." Lyanna teased him.
"Feels like that." Adrian whispered. "By the way, thank you for this beautiful wedding. It’s more than I expected."
"You deserve a beautiful wedding." Lyanna smiled. "I hope you two build something real and long-lasting."
After chatting a bit more, they both took their seats in the front row. The ceremony began according to the traditional vampire traditions. An officiant talked about the binding of courts, the importance of alliances, and so on.
Then Sylvia entered, looking stunning like always. But what stood out the most was her expression. She looked nervous. Her confident demeanour was gone.
The officiant started the ceremony, and within an hour, they were officially married. The officiant has pronounced them married. The reception was held in Thornfield’s grand ballroom.
The atmosphere was celebratory and Lyanna was actually enjoying it. She and Azrael sat at the head table with Adrian and Sylvia, Lord Richard, and other important members of both courts. They talked about everything from the alliance to the future cooperation plans between Thornfield and Eclipse Court. Some of them also shared a few personal stories that made everyone laugh.
Soon the dance began, and Adrian and Sylvia went for the traditional first dance. They were awkward and nervous but everyone could tell they were enjoying each other’s company. After they finished their dance, other couples joined them.
"Dance?" Azrael asked.
Lyanna took his hand and let him take her onto the dance floor. They moved together in perfect synchronization.
"Are you okay?" Azrael asked.
"I’m actually better than okay." She replied, putting her head on his chest.
"I spent so much time trying to break you. I promise I’ll spend the rest of eternity wondering why you stayed with me." Azrael said as he kissed her head.
"I saw the man behind the monster, and I liked him." She whispered.
"I love you. I love you so fucking much."
Later in the evening, after most guests had gone back to their chambers to rest, Lyanna went to a silent corner to take a break. She was standing by the window looking out at the garden when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Your Majesty?"
She turned and saw Lord Richard standing behind her with a wine glass in his hand.
"Lord Richard? Did you need something?"
"A conversation, if you’ll permit it." He said and stepped closer. "I wanted to talk with you privately before we depart tomorrow.
I’ve been watching you, observing how you handle yourself, how you interact with Azrael, and how you manage the wedding preparations. And to be honest, you’ve impressed me."
"Thank you." Lyanna replied, unsure where exactly this conversation was going.
"I also wanted to apologize for my daughter’s behaviour towards you. She was inappropriate and cruel, and that reflects poorly on Eclipse Court."
"She has apologized already." Lyanna said. "I think she’s ready to move on with Adrian."
"I hope so." He replied. "One more thing, I know you’re still adjusting to being a vampire. But if you ever need guidance, Eclipse Court will welcome you."
The offer was unexpectedly kind.
"Thank you, Lord Richard. That means a lot."
"You’ve earned it." He said, and then left.
Lyanna stood there alone for a few more minutes, thinking about the conversation. Then suddenly, she felt Azrael’s arms wrapping her from behind.
"Richard gave you the approval speech?" He asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Something like that." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶
"If he’s impressed, it means you’re doing everything right." Azrael kissed her temple. "Ready to continue what we left?"
"More than ready." Lyanna replied.
They went back to their chambers, with their hands intertwined. The wedding was perfect and for the first time, Lyanna felt like she truly belonged in this world.
But the peace didn’t last long. The next morning, Eclipse Court departed with Adrian and Sylvia for a brief honeymoon period in the Eclipse territories. Lyanna was in the library when Victor came to her.
"Your Majesty. His Majesty requests your presence in his study immediately. We’ve got some news about The Leader."
Lyanna put aside her book and immediately followed Victor. When she entered Azrael’s study, she saw him looking worried.
"What happened?" She asked.
"The Leader escaped. During the wedding festivities, someone helped her to run away from the dungeons. She’s gone and she took critical intelligence about our defences and strategies with her.
We have a traitor in Thornfield. Someone who used Adrian’s wedding as a cover to free our biggest enemy. We need to find out who they are before they do more damage."
They had been so focused on healing their relationship and celebrating Adrian’s marriage, that they didn’t notice an enemy was working against them from the inside.
