Chapter 17: The Unexpected Bride

𖤐••{AZRÆL’S POV}••⛧

Murmurs spread through the court like wildfire as the nobles share confused looks with one another.

I glance at my mother to find a look of utter disbelief written all over her face.

It’s almost amusing. But it doesn’t take long before her eyes sharpen and her expression twists into a deep frown.

My sister, on the other hand, just seems... conflicted.

At first, her lips are slightly parted and her eyes are wide with shock. Then a heartbeat later, her brows furrow and she stares at me as if she’s waiting for me to admit this is all some elaborate joke.

"Your Majesty," says Lord Ræven Mourningstar as he stands from his seat. "If I’m not mistaken... isn’t Astragarde a human kingdom?"

"It is," I answer without hesitation.

Gasps and whispers immediately rise throughout the throne room.

Lady Ævangeline Mooncrest rises to her feet.

"Pardon my tongue, Emperor," she says, inclining her head. "But marrying a human? Is this some sort of jest? Does this girl even understand what she is agreeing to?"

"She’s not one of us," Lord Darius Dræmond hisses, the disdain in his tone evident. "A human becoming Empress is a violation of our tradition!"

"Silence," I command, raising my palm.

The throne room falls quiet within a heartbeat.

"My decision is final," I say. "Four days from now I will marry the Princess of Astragarde and she will become my Empress. If anyone here opposes this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

For a moment, I glance at each and every single one of their faces.

No one says a word.

I let the silence linger a little longer before continuing.

"Months ago, I ordered letters to be sent to the rulers of the other eight kingdoms of the Empire. Their arrival in Darkholme is expected soon. And when they do arrive, I will personally inform them of my upcoming marriage."

A few whispers echo here and there, but still, no one dares speak.

"There is nothing more to discuss tonight," I say, rising from my throne. "The wedding will take place as planned, and I expect every lord and lady of Darkholme to be present."

With that, I step down from the dais. As I head for the doors, the court rises to their feet and bow their heads.

A small smile curves my lips as I walk the halls leading to my chambers. Honestly, that went so much better than I expected.

"Azræl," a familiar voice calls.

I immediately glance over my shoulder and my brows rise the moment I see Lucærys.

He is practically running toward me with a sheepish smile on his lips, and my face brightens before I can stop myself. The moment he reaches me, he wraps me in a firm embrace, patting my back as he sways us from side to side.

"Luke," I say, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. "When did you get here?"

"Just now," he replies, still beaming ear to ear. "Oh I’ve missed you so much, cousin."

The two of us begin walking together.

"Then why don’t you visit more often?" I ask.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Oh Azræl, you have no idea how much I’d love to. But being crown prince of Noctis keeps me really busy, especially now that my parents are placing more responsibility on my shoulders."

I nod slowly. "I understand."

Lucærys crosses his arms and his face twists into a teasing frown.

"I have to say, I’m incredibly offended," he murmurs.

I arch a brow. "Why?"

"I ran into the nobles from your court on my way to you, and of all people, why did I have to find out from them that my cousin is getting married in four days?!"

"Oh..." I let out a sharp wince. "I’m sorry you had to find out that way, but I was going to tell you as soon as you arrived."

He gives me a playful nudge. "You could’ve at least put that in your letter."

A smirk tugs at my lips. "But then it would eliminate the element of surprise, wouldn’t it?"

Luke’s laughter echoes throughout the corridor.

"Have you always been this dramatic?" he asks.

"Well," I shrug. "Who doesn’t love a little bit of chaos every now and then?"

The guards standing outside my chambers bow as we approach before opening the doors to let us in.

As soon as the doors close behind us, I shrug off my cloak and throw it on the bed, then my crown follows.

"So, how long will you be staying?" I ask as I walk to the chairs by the fireplace.

"Till after the wedding," he replies, following after me. "I hope to spend some time with you here before returning to my duties in Noctis."

"I’d love that," I say, settling into the chair.

Luke takes the other one beside me, leaning back in the seat.

I lift the decanter of bloodwine from the side table and pour two glasses, handing him one.

"Alright," he says, taking a sip. "Tell me about this bride. When did you meet her? How long have you known each other? I want every single detail."

"I met Rhiannon for the first time three days ago," I answer, staring into the fire.

He nearly chokes on his wine, immediately sitting upright. "You’ve only known her for three days and you’re already marrying her?!"

I simply nod.

"And a human?" his voice rises. "Throughout the empire’s history, no emperor has ever taken a human wife."

"The only emperors who have ever ruled the nine kingdoms are my grandfather, my father, and me," I counter. "So there hasn’t been a lot to begin with."

"Still, it’s very strange," he insists. "Three days isn’t enough time to fully know someone, let alone marry them."

"So tell me," he leans closer, resting his chin on his knuckles. "What makes her so special that you risk angering the nine kingdoms?"

I bring my wine glass to my lips and take a slow sip. Moments pass, but not a single word leaves my mouth.

"When did you start being so secretive?" Luke mutters under his breath.

I avoid his gaze. "I’m not secretive."

"Azræl, we’ve known each other since we were children," he says. "I can tell when you’re lying."

Before I can even think of something to say, the doors slam open.

"Azræl!" Mother’s voice rings through the room.

Her eyes blaze with anger as he crosses the space almost instantly.

"So this is why you brought that girl into our home," she shouts. "To marry her?!"

I remain seated, sipping my wine and watching the flames dance in the hearth.

"Aunt Seraphine," Luke says, rising to his feet. "It’s a pleasure seeing you a—"

"Lucærys, please speak some sense into your cousin," she cuts him off.

"There is nothing anyone can say or do to change my mind," I say calmly. "It’s been set in stone and preparations are already underway."

Mother grips the armrests of my chair and lowers herself until we’re eye to eye.

"This is an insult to our race," she hisses. "A human at your side on the throne? Have you lost your mind? Do you honestly believe vampires will bow to a human empress?!"

"They will," I answer without hesitation. "Anyone who refuses commits treason. And by law, treason is a crime punishable by death."

Mother’s eyes narrow with disbelief.

"I barely even recognize you anymore," she murmurs. "What is it about Rhiannon that makes you act so rashly? What is so special about her?"

I stay silent, my gaze drifting back to the fire.

"Answer me!" she screams.

I ignore her instead, lifting my wine glass to take a sip. But she rips it out of my hand and hurls it into the hearth, shattering the glass and causing the flames to hiss.

I shoot to my feet and she does the same, lifting her chin and glaring daggers into my eyes.

For a long, tense moment, neither of us moves or looks away until she spins on her heel and storms out of my chambers, slamming the doors shut behind her.

I glance at Lucærys and find him watching with an awkward yet amused expression.

"Well..." He raises his brows, taking a sip from his wine glass. "Good to know some things never change."