The Grand Council chamber felt like it was spinning, Lyanna felt the floor shifting under her feet even though she knew it was still.
Azrael was speaking to the council, about the wedding plans. Lyanna barely heard him. She was physically there but her mind was somewhere else.
"Remove her chains and escort the princess to her chambers." Azrael said and Lyanna snapped back to the present. "Take her to the appropriate quarters. The guest wing isn't suitable for my betrothed."
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should discuss the…"
"Later, Helena." Azrael cut her off. "The decision is made." He gestured to the guards who'd brought Lyanna to the council chamber. "Take her. Make sure she has everything she needs."
The guards unlocked her chains and flanked her again. The walk back through the corridors passed in a blur.
What have I done? Marriage to a vampire king who hates me?
The guards stopped in front of a different door. This chamber was larger, and looked more private.
"Your new chambers, my lady." The guard said, as he opened the door. "His Majesty believes you'll be more comfortable here."
Comfortable?? What a strange word to use for a gilded cage.
The door opened to a suite so grand it made her previous room look like a servant's quarter. The main room was huge with high ceilings and tall windows.
The bed was big enough for five people, at least. There was a small sitting area with cushioned chairs, a small table, and a writing desk with shelves filled with books.
Beautiful vampire paintings were hanging on the walls. At a corner, a large fireplace was burning. Thick carpets covered the cold floor. Beyond an archway were a bathing room and a dressing room.
It was beautiful, luxurious, everything a princess could want but it was still a prison for her.
"Clara will come soon to attend you." The guard said. "In the meantime, His Majesty wants you to stay in your chambers. You're not allowed to leave your chambers alone."
Of course not.
"I understand."
The guards left, locking the door behind them. Lyanna stood in the centre of the room and took a deep breath to calm herself.
A knock at the door startled her.
"Come in."
Clara entered carrying a beautiful gown.
"My lady," Clara said as she closed the door. "I heard the news. You're marrying His Majesty."
"Yes." Lyanna replied.
Clara walked towards the dressing room, put the gown there, came back and looked at her.
"My lady, forgive my boldness, but… are you all right?"
It was the first time since the massacre that someone had asked her about her well-being. This simple question broke Lyanna's control. She felt tears forming in her eyes but she forced them back again.
"I'm alive. That's enough." She answered.
"But..."
"Tell me about your king." Lyanna cut her off. "I'm going to marry him in six days but I know nothing about him."
Clara hesitated initially, then she gestured to the sitting area.
"Perhaps you should sit down, my lady."
Lyanna sat on one of the chairs. Clara poured her water, and handed her the glass.
"Drink. You look like you might faint."
Lyanna drank it all at once and felt slightly better.
"Tell me, please." She repeated.
"His Majesty is… complicated. He's ruled Thornfield for nearly four centuries, and he has been a good king. He is fair and genuinely cares for his people. He's not a tyrant or a monster.
But… but he's also cold. He keeps everyone at arm's length. The council respects him, but I don't think anyone truly knows him except for two or three council members."
"You…"
"I'm sorry, my lady, but I can't say anything more. Come let me help bathe you. His Majesty wants to dine with you privately tonight."
Of course he did. He couldn't even give me a single night to process everything.
Lyanna followed Clara into the bathing chamber. The huge tub was already filled with hot water like before. Soaps and oils were arranged neatly near the tub.
Lyanna sat in the tub, letting the hot water ease some of the tension in her body.
"You seem to know him well." Lyanna said suddenly.
"I've served in this castle for fifty years. You learn how to read people when your survival depends on it." Clara picked up a lavender soap bar. "May I?"
Lyanna nodded and closed her eyes as Clara gently washed her back.
"Will he ever let it go?" Lyanna opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling. "Or will I live like a prisoner forever for a single mistake?"
"I don't know. I've never seen him like this with anyone else." She replied as she washed her hair.
The rest of the bath passed in silence. Clara helped her wash, dried her with soft towels, and wrapped her in a robe. Then she guided her to the dressing room.
The emerald green gown with beautiful silver embroidery was lying there. Clara helped her dress. Then she brushed her hair and pinned it with silver clips.
"You look beautiful." Clara smiled.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Clara opened it to find a guard standing there.
"His Majesty requests the princess's presence for dinner."
"Tell His Majesty the princess is coming." Clara replied.
The guard escorted Lyanna through the corridors. They stopped at a door far simpler than her chamber door. The guard knocked once, received some murmured response, then opened it and gestured her inside.
"His Majesty awaits."
Lyanna's heart hammered as she stepped inside expecting a lion's den but it looked like an intimate dining room meant for romantic dinners.
A small table was set for two. Candles were lit. Moonlight was spilling through the windows.
It would have been beautiful if she were there by her choice.
Azrael was standing near the window. He was wearing a simple black shirt with sleeves rolled up revealing his forearms, and dark trousers. He looked very beautiful, but still very dangerous.
He turned when she entered, his silver eyes swept over her from head to toe.
"The emerald suits you. I chose well."
I know you did. You chose everything.
"Thank you for your generosity, His Majesty. The gown is beautiful."
"Azrael." He walked to the table and pulled out her chair. "In private, you can call me by my name. We are betrothed after all."
Lyanna plastered a fake smile and sat.
Servants appeared from somewhere and placed bowls of soup before them. It smelled delicious. Lyanna's stomach growled. She picked up her spoon with shaking hands and tasted it. It was perfect.
They ate in silence for a few minutes. Lyanna counted the seconds in her head, waiting for him to say something.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Azrael put down his spoon and leaned back in his chair.
"Let's discuss the wedding. I want to make sure we're both clear on expectations before the ceremony."
Lyanna put down her own spoon as well.
"What expectations?"