Chapter 1

The people of Tayswen were delighted to find that spring had finally arrived to chase away the bitter cold that had almost reduced the town to an icey wasteland. Everyone was happy except for Lianne Montgomery who sat at her windowsill patiently waiting her fate. Her teary-eyed mother scurried in and sat beside her daughter engulfing her in a tight embrace.

"Forgive me dear, I should've stopped your father. Forgive me for being so weak". She gave her mother a sad smile

"We both know he would have never listened. This is not your fault".

"Here, I want you to have this as a wedding gift but open it only when you reach your husband's home, no sooner". She gave Lianne a red case and with one last hug left the room the way she came.

It wasn't long before her father came in slightly drunk with a creepy grin on his face and a bottle in hand. She tried not to cringe as he watched her with lust filled eyes before licking his lips.

"Your mother stopped us from having a little... conversation last night. A shame really, I wanted to get to know you better but now you are to be married". She dug her nails into her palm as he buried his face in the nape of her neck. She abruptly got up, her face emotionless.

"I need to leave, everyone must be waiting". She turned to go but he caught her by the arm and twisted it behind her back. She bit her lower lip to hold back the tears that threatened to spill and only let out a whimper.

"where do you think you are going? Your mother prevented me from having that sweetness between your legs last night. Let me have a taste".

Her face remained emotionless she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

The door was suddenly swung open and in walked Alan, her personal guard, his eyes widened in shock, taking in the scene before him before he lowered his head in respect".

" The lady's presence has been requested in the garden, I am here to escort her".

"Her father's face was red with embarrassment at being caught. He stormed out grumpily.

The guard helped her up and when she was able to compose herself accompanied her to the gardens.

"Why don't you stop him? Him beating you is not enough anymore, if I didn't come in when I did he would've....".

"I'm moving out Alan, I see no need for useless quarrels. Thank you for saving me though".

"Has he had you in his bed before? Has he?".

"NO, of course not. I have never warmed a man's bed in my entire life. He's my father for goodness' sake".

"That didn't look like fatherly love back there. Listen, I'm not doubting your honor. I just... we've been friends for God knows how long and I don't want you to get hurt, not if I can help it". She gave him a smile

It's going to be fine, he won't be able to hurt me anymore, not after this ". She was leaving her abusive father's house but then she was going into the house of another and who was to say he wasn't like her father or even worse.

*****

Lianne stood at the altar waiting for her groom to show, a lot of people were present at the ceremony most of them she did not know but from the looks of it, all were high ranking officials, nobles, monarchs. The only reason her father had agreed to this arrangement was because of the financial benefits that came with being close relations with the Vampire Crown Prince of Raegan.

A man so cold everyone feared to mention his name. He had single handedly brought down armies, battalions even kingdoms all in the name of his kingdom which grew stronger with each passing day. It would be in anyone's best interest to side with such a man and that was what her father was doing, selling out his own kind, selling his own daughter to the devil himself.

The doors were opened and in strolled her groom all eyes were on him but Lianne chose to bow. She did not want to see the monster she was to be wed to.When he took his place beside her her heart quickened its pace so much so she felt she was having a heart attack. She was only a girl of seventeen summers, she had her whole life to live. The ceremony began and they turned to face each other she could feel his eyes on her, she refused to look at him fearing the worst but when the vows had been said and rings exchanged, she willed herself to take a peak at him and what a beauty he was! He had dark brown almost black hair with a single fringe at the right side and bluish green eyes that seemed to take on a bluish gray whenever light fell on them and his pink lips looked all too kissable. His jawline could have easily cut through ice and his lean masculinity fit his coat perfectly. How could someone be so handsome?He smirked at her catching her ogling him and she looked down her cheeks reddening in embarrassment

"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife". These few words sealed her fate forever.

-------

The carriage ride to Raegan was uneventful except for the constant glances she gave her husband. 'Husband' that term felt foreign to her almost non existent. She had never dreamt of marriage especially to a man as powerful as the vampire that sat beside her. But it was the only way she could ensure her security at least from her father. She would be stuck with him for the rest of her life, she would at least put in an effort to make their marriage work.

"Your highness-"

"Avien, call me Avien at least in private". She nodded understanding. His eyes were still trained ahead not once glancing her way.The name was intriguing but oddly magnetic just like it's bearer.

"Avien, If you don't mind me asking, why didn't your family attend?". His body tensed up and his jaw twitched.

"My family would much rather think me dead than think me one of their own".

"I'm sorry, I didn't-"

"You need not apologize, there is nothing to forgive".

The rest of the ride continued in silence until darkness consumed Lianne.