The Bride He Hates-Chapter 63: The Wedding Planning

After the confession, everything changed between them. For the first time since their forced marriage, Azrael and Lyanna stopped pretending. They weren’t acting like a happy couple anymore, they had actually become one.

They spent their mornings chatting with each other over breakfast, during afternoons they worked together on political matters, and at night, they’d fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

The empathic bond was probably gone. Lyanna didn’t feel it anymore. But she didn’t care about it. She was sure of his feelings now.

As time passed, she immersed herself in learning vampire politics and court administration. Meanwhile, Azrael slowly let his walls down, letting her see parts of himself he had kept hidden for centuries.

They were trying to build something real, trying to prove that love can blossom even in the most damaged place. But what they had was still fragile, it wasn’t ready for real tests, but that test came sooner than they had expected.

The morning court session was like every other session until Adrian stood up and asked permission to speak. Azrael, who was in mid-discussion with Lord Cedric, gestured for him to go ahead.

"Your Majesty, and assembled court, I wanted to inform you that my betrothal to Lady Sylvia of Eclipse Court is being formalized. Lord Richard and I have finalized the terms. The wedding ceremony is scheduled for two weeks from now.

Lord Richard wanted to discuss this with His Majesty personally, but with all the new threats, he didn’t want to add to his responsibilities."

The court erupted in applause and congratulations. Lyanna, sitting beside Azrael, froze. Memories of her own wedding crashed over her, which still tormented her. She didn’t know that those memories still affected her this much. The word marriage was literally haunting her.

She gripped the armrests of her throne as her breathing became shallow. The room suddenly felt too small, and crowded.

"Your Majesty? Are you okay?" Lord Cedric, who was sitting in front of her, asked.

Everyone turned to look at her immediately.

"I... Excuse me. I need..." She stood up abruptly and walked out.

"Court is dismissed for today." Azrael announced. "Adrian, congratulations. We’ll continue tomorrow." He left as well.

By the time Lyanna reached their chambers, her hands were shaking so badly that she could hardly turn the doorknob. She entered and collapsed against the wall, sliding down to the floor, gasping for air.

She couldn’t breathe. Images of her own wedding kept flashing in front of her. She covered her face with her hands, trying to make them stop, but that only made it worse.

When Azrael came in, he didn’t speak or ask anything. He just sat down beside her and took her hand.

Slowly, her breathing became normal, and the images faded away. She wasn’t sure how long they sat there. When the episode finally ended, embarrassment crept in.

"I’m sorry." She whispered. "I don’t know why..."

"Don’t apologize. You had a panic attack. It’s okay."

"Because of a wedding announcement." She replied bitterly. "I sound pathetic."

"It’s understandable." He gently squeezed her hand. "Weddings are traumatic for you. You have every right to be affected."

She looked at him and saw nothing but concern in his eyes. There was no frustration, annoyance, or judgment.

"I ruined your court session."

"Court can wait until tomorrow. You’re more important."

The casual way in which he said it, as if her well-being came before political business, made her feel warm and smile.

"I should have seen this coming. I’m sorry." Azrael said.

"You can’t predict every trigger."

eachtry." He moved closer, still holding her hand. "We’ll get through these next two weeks. Just tell me what you need!"

Lyanna nodded, and he helped her stand up and made her sit on the bed.

"Rest. I’ll handle everything. You don’t need to worry about anything." He walked towards the door but Lyanna’s voice stopped him. He looked back.

"Thank you. For not asking questions, for just being here."

He smiled.

"Always."

The next morning, when they were done with their breakfast, Azrael held her hand, looking into her eyes.

"I’ve made a decision about Adrian’s wedding."

"What decision?" She asked in surprise.

"You’re going to oversee all the preparations."

"What?"

"The planning, the decisions, the arrangements; everything. You’ll be in complete charge." He said. "I’ll make the announcement at court in today’s morning session."

"Why would you do that?" Lyanna asked, genuinely confused. "I had a panic attack yesterday because of this wedding. Why would you put me in charge of it?"

"Because you never got to have a real wedding." He replied. "One was destroyed by manipulation, and the other was built on revenge and cruelty. I think you deserve a chance to plan a wedding according to your preferences, even if it’s not yours.

And maybe having control over something that terrifies you will help you feel stronger."

Lyanna felt tears brimming in her eyes but she didn’t let them fall.

"I’ll try my best." She smiled.

By afternoon, Lyanna was in the planning room with Lady Morgana, who had organized countless Thornfield events. Maps of the castle grounds, fabric samples, flower catalogues, and menu options were scattered on the table.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty informed me you’ll be overseeing all the wedding arrangements. I’m here to help you."

"Tell me what has already been arranged."

Morgana took out a document.

"The ceremony is scheduled for midnight in the main hall according to traditional vampire style, and the reception will be in the grand ballroom. Food will be imported from different regions, and there will be vampire musicians...

"No." Lyanna cut her off. "Change everything. The ceremony should be at sunset, not midnight, and in the garden. I want it to be beautiful with flowers everywhere."

She was describing the wedding she had wanted for herself.

"What about the reception?" Morgana asked, making notes.

"Ballroom is fine, but I want human musicians as well. This is a marriage between vampire courts, but it should acknowledge humans too. It will send a good message. Also, I want the vows to include promises of respect and partnership, and not just political alliance."

"His Majesty will need to approve..."

"His Majesty gave me complete authority."

"Then let’s do it." Morgana smiled. "Anything else?"

They spent the next two hours planning. Every decision Lyanna made felt like healing, turning her fear of weddings into something beautiful. She chose flowers that her mother once said represented love and new beginnings. She selected joyful music. She planned a ceremony that celebrated choice and partnership, despite it being an obligation.

When Morgana left to begin arrangements, Lyanna felt exhausted but also lighter.

"How did the planning go?" Azrael asked during dinner.

"I changed everything." Lyanna confessed. "If you don’t like it..."

"I’m sure it’ll be perfect." He cut her off.

"You didn’t even hear what I planned."

"I don’t need to. I trust your judgment."

Lyanna stared at him.

"You’re really not going to question any of my decisions?"

"No. I asked you to manage this, and I meant it. Besides, anything you plan will be better than what I would have planned. I’m not exactly good at making weddings beautiful."

The self-deprecating comment was so unlike him that Lyanna almost laughed.

After a long time, she felt happy because Azrael was giving her real control over something that triggered her and was trusting her to transform it into something better.

It was his first real step towards making amends, not through words or apologies, but through action.