The Bride He Hates

Chapter 134: Public Announcement

Lord Cassius stood up as soon as Azrael and Lyanna entered the council chamber, the next day. He bowed and began speaking.

"Your Majesties. You called for an emergency council session?"

"Yes." Azrael replied, standing up. "Lyanna and I are finally addressing the succession crisis." He turned and looked at Lyanna.

She stood as well, walking to stand beside him.

"We’ve decided to accept the council’s recommendation regarding political courtship."

Every vampire in the room fell silent, shock etched even on the faces of the ancient vampires that had seen everything in vampire society.

"Your Majesties... you’re agreeing to political courtship? After refusing it three days ago?" Lady Morgana asked.

"Circumstances have changed." Azrael replied. "We’ve had time to think about the political reality. Our personal preferences aren’t more important than kingdom’s stability."

Cassius looked like someone had pulled the ground from under him. His entire plan relied on their refusal, presenting them as stubborn and unfit. Their sudden agreement for the courtship destroyed his narrative completely.

"Are you serious?" He asked.

"Very much." Lyanna replied. "His Majesty will engage in formal political courtship with suitable candidates from noble vampire families."

"Very well." Cassius said. "Though the council will need to approve suitable candidates, establish protocols, and ensure the arrangements serve their purpose."

"Of course." Azrael replied. "We welcome the council’s involvement in selecting appropriate candidates."

The council meeting continued for an hour more with nobles debating candidate selection criteria, courtship protocols, and timeline expectations. Lyanna and Azrael participated professionally, as if they were discussing trade agreements.

In the evening, after hours of more meetings and political manoeuvring, a servant delivered a sealed document to their chambers.

Azrael opened it to find the council’s official candidate list. It had the names of three noble vampire women deemed suitable for political courtship along with their detailed profiles.

Lyanna stood beside him, reading over his shoulder.

Candidate One: Lady Lucia of House Blackwood. She descends from one of the original vampire houses.

Age: 847 years.

Known for exceptional magical ability and deep knowledge of vampire history and traditions.

Candidate Two: Lady Eve of House Silverwood.

She is young, only a hundred years old. Known for a gentle temperament, artistic talent, and genuine kindness.

Candidate Three: Lady Bella of House Nightshade.

Politically powerful vampire from the Eastern Territories.

Age: 652 years.

Controls major trade routes and has extensive alliance networks. Known for ruthless political acumen and strategic brilliance.

Azrael threw the document aside and moved to pour himself wine.

"Well?" Lyanna asked. "What do you think?"

"They all are perfect candidates for something I have absolutely no interest in." Azrael replied. "Lucia represents ancient tradition, Eve is barely an adult and Bella..." He shook his head. "Bella would use this courtship for her own political advantage. She’s the most dangerous one."

"But also the most beneficial politically." Lyanna said.

"Are you actually analyzing this?" Azrael asked, surprised. "Evaluating which woman I should pretend to court based on political advantages?"

Lyanna looked up from the documents at him.

"I’m just being practical."

"Stop being practical." Azrael said. "Stop analyzing and treating this like a political problem to solve. I’m going to court these women and you’re calmly evaluating which one offers the best political benefits?"

"What do you want me to do?" Lyanna asked. "Break down? Get emotional when we’ve already made the decision? I’m trying to make this work, Azrael."

"I want you to feel something about this! I want you to be angry, hurt or jealous. I want you to care that I’m about to court other women." Azrael pleaded.

"I do care. I just..."

"I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be behaving like this when we’ve already discussed this." Azrael didn’t let her finish.

"I’m sorry too for pushing you into this."

"We both pushed each other into this. You suggested and I agreed. We had no other option." He said and pulled her into his arms. "But remember, I only want you."

He then broke the hug and kissed her desperately. Lyanna responded immediately, her hands gripping his shirt and pulling him even closer. They moved towards the bed without parting.

They undressed each other quickly, almost tearing the clothes away. He laid her back on the bed and followed her down, covering her body with his and biting her neck softly.

Lyanna leaned into him, her hands sliding down his back, nails digging in hard enough to draw blood. She needed to mark him, claim him and prove that despite the emotional distance, she still wanted him.

"Tell me what you need." Azrael murmured.

"You. Hard enough that I feel it and intense enough that it cuts through the distance."

Azrael’s hand slid down her body and stopped between her thighs. He entered her in one smooth thrust, both of them gasping. Then he moved with such intensity that it made her spine arch and her breath hitch.

Azrael bit her neck again and she bit him back this time. His hand slipped between their bodies, finding the spot that made Lyanna’s vision blur with pleasure.

She came, crying his name, her body tightening around him. Azrael came minutes later, panting against her.

They stayed locked together afterward, neither willing to separate. Finally, Azrael rolled onto his side, pulling Lyanna with him so they stayed tangled together. Blood smeared between them, a sign of the intensity that had spiralled out of control.

"I love you." Azrael whispered.

"I love you too."

The next afternoon, three carriages arrived at the castle bearing the crests of their respective houses, accompanied by an army of entourages.

Lyanna watched from the castle window as the courtyard filled with servants unloading luggage, and nobles greeting each other with formal courtesy.

"They’re here." She said.

Azrael walked to stand beside her.

The first to emerge from her carriage was Lady Lucia of House Blackwood. Even from a distance, her ancient power was evident.

She was breathtaking. Her silver hair was cascading down her back and her pale skin was glowing.

When her eyes swept up to the window where Lyanna and Azrael were standing, her expression changed as if she was calculating something.

"She is going to be difficult." Azrael muttered.