The Vampire's werewolf mate

Chapter 11

The Wedding Invitation

Lyra's POV

I sat quietly on the edge of my bed, turning the invitation over in my hands.

The elegant gold lettering blurred as tears threatened to fill my eyes.

Prince Lucien Draven's Coronation and Royal Wedding.

He was getting married.

I let out a shaky sigh.

"What was I even thinking?"

Somewhere along the way, I'd let my guard down.

I had started believing that maybe... just maybe... the bond between us meant something.

That there was still hope.

How foolish.

I stood and walked toward my wardrobe.

Hanging neatly inside was the emerald-green gown prepared for the ceremony. Father expected us to remain in the vampire kingdom for three days—one day for Lucien's coronation, another for his wedding, and the last for the celebrations before returning home.

I reached out and brushed my fingers over the fabric.

"I can't do this..." I whispered.

"He... he can't marry her."

The words hurt more than I expected.

Suddenly, my chest tightened.

My heart pounded painfully against my ribs.

I struggled to breathe.

Sweat gathered on my forehead as panic washed over me.

"No..."

I pressed a trembling hand against my chest and forced myself to inhale.

One breath.

Then another.

Slowly, the tightness eased.

I closed my eyes.

"I have to stop this."

"I have to get rid of these feelings."

Just then, a knock sounded.

Before I could answer, Aria stepped into my room, with Marcus waiting respectfully by the doorway.

Aria frowned the moment she saw me.

"You're not ready?"

I looked away.

"I'll get dressed later."

She studied me carefully.

"The carriages are ready. Everyone's waiting."

"I know."

"So... let's go."

I shook my head.

"I'll come later."

Aria's expression filled with concern.

"Later?"

I nodded.

"I'm not ready yet."

She walked closer.

"Lyra..."

"I'm fine."

It was a lie.

She knew it.

I knew it.

But neither of us said anything.

After a long silence, she sighed.

"Are you sure?"

I forced a small smile.

"Tell Father not to worry."

"I'll leave later."

"If anything... send another carriage to escort me."

The words tasted bitter.

Aria hesitated before nodding.

"Alright."

She gently squeezed my hand.

"Don't take too long."

Marcus finally spoke.

"We'll be waiting for you."

I gave him a small nod.

The two of them left the room, closing the door softly behind them.

A few moments later, I walked to the window.

Outside, the royal carriages rolled through the castle gates.

Father's carriage led the procession.

Behind him rode Marcus, Aria, the nobles, and the royal guards.

I watched until the last carriage disappeared beyond the trees.

Silence settled over the castle.

I was alone.

I rested my forehead against the cold glass.

"Congratulations, Lucien," I whispered with a sad smile.

"I hope... you're happy."

Even as I said the words...

My heart refused to believe them.

---

Lucien's POV

I paced back and forth across my room.

I was only half-dressed, wearing a black shirt and trousers while my royal suit lay neatly on the bed, waiting for me.

In a few hours...

I would be crowned king.

And married.

A soft knock came at the door before it opened.

My mother stepped inside.

As always, her smile was warm enough to calm even the fiercest storm.

I walked over to her.

"Lucien," she said gently, "don't be nervous."

I looked away.

She knew me far too well.

"I'm not nervous, Mother."

She smiled knowingly.

"The people already believe you'll be a great king."

"It's not the coronation..." I murmured.

I stopped myself.

"What is it, Lucien?" she asked softly.

I hesitated.

For a long moment, I wondered if I should keep the secret buried.

But I couldn't.

Not anymore.

"I met my mate."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she remained silent.

"She's a werewolf."

Another pause.

"Princess Lyra Nightfang."

I looked down at my hands.

"At first, I hated it."

"I wanted to reject the bond."

"But now..."

I let out a quiet sigh.

"I don't think she's just my mate anymore."

"I think..."

"I've fallen for her."

Silence filled the room.

For several moments, Mother simply looked at me.

Then...

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Mother?"

She smiled through her tears.

"Oh, Lucien..."

"The Moon Goddess has given our kingdoms a chance."

"A chance to end centuries of hatred."

"She chose Lyra for you because together, you can bring peace."

She gently held my hands.

"You mustn't run from the bond."

I lowered my gaze.

"I can't."

"Father has already arranged my marriage to Valeria."

"He wants me to carry on his legacy."

"I can't destroy everything he's built."

Mother squeezed my hands.

"I know."

Her smile grew softer.

"But one day..."

"We'll look back on this and laugh at how complicated everything seemed."

She kissed my forehead before quietly leaving the room.

The door closed behind her.

I stood there in silence.

Unable to decide whether my heart felt lighter...

Or heavier.

---

A short while later, I stepped onto the palace balcony overlooking the grand courtyard.

The first royal carriages began arriving.

The werewolves.

One by one, they stepped out.

King Alaric.

Marcus.

Aria.

The Nightfang nobles.

My eyes searched every carriage that entered the palace gates.

Waiting.

Hoping.

Looking for one person.

Lyra.

Another carriage arrived.

Not her.

Then another.

Still not her.

Eventually, the last carriage rolled through the gates.

I watched as it came to a stop.

The door opened.

No one else stepped out.

A strange disappointment settled in my chest.

She wasn't here.

Or...

Maybe she had chosen not to come at all.