Severed Ties: Marrying The Cursed Dragon Lord

Alys POV:

The next time I "woke up," I was on a reasonably soft bed.

The room was sparsely furnished, with even a few patches of mold in the corners. This was the chamber of mine. It was a world away from the memories I had of Henrietta's luxurious bedroom, with its dragon-fire patterned curtains and velvet carpets.

A white-bearded doctor was examining me. His touch was gentle, but his brow was furrowed in a deep frown. I recognized him as the Hays family's physician, a Dragonless man who didn't dare offend his masters.

My second brother, Sir Edmon Hays, stood by the bed. He was dressed in a well-tailored riding suit, bearing the subtle twin-headed dragon crest of House Hays. His face wore a mask of perfectly measured concern.

"Alys, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice gentle but distant. "Clement was too impulsive. I've already reprimanded him."

I didn't answer, just watched him silently. A repressed memory surfaces in my mind with unusual clarity at this moment: when Clement was beating me, it was Edmon who burst in and caught hold of Clement's raised leg. "Enough, Clement! Do you want to kill her?" he had roared. He had stopped Clement, not for my sake, but because "Father's order was for her to be married, not for her to be dead."

Henrietta was also at my bedside, having changed into a simple white dress. Her eyes were red, as if she hadn't slept all night.

Seeing me awake, she immediately grasped my hand, tears streaming down her face. "Sister, you're finally awake! You scared me to death! It's all my fault. If it weren't for me... you wouldn't have..."

Her hand was warm, but a chill ran down my spine. I didn't pull my hand away, needing to conserve my strength, but I offered no response.

The doctor finished his examination and turned to Edmon, reporting in a low voice, "Sir Edmon, the young lady's injuries... are severe. Broken ribs, and her internal organs have suffered a shock. She needs complete rest, and absolutely no more... agitation."

Edmon nodded and waved the doctor away. The man left as if granted a pardon, quickly grabbing his medical bag.

The room was now occupied by just the three of us siblings. Edmon's gaze fell on me, scrutinizing. "Alys, you said earlier... you had conditions to discuss?"

I finally spoke, my voice still hoarse. "Yes. I'll wait until Father and Mother are here."

My calm, direct tone surprised Edmon. He was used to my silence or tears, not this business-like manner.

Henrietta interjected, "Sister, whatever conditions you have, just tell our brothers. Don't make Father and Mother angry again. They've been worried sick about your marriage."

I turned my head to look at her, enunciating each word. "My marriage? Henrietta, are you sure this is my marriage?"

My question was like a slap, and the color drained from Henrietta's face. She never expected me to be so blunt.

She immediately let go of my hand, taking a step back as more tears flowed. She turned to Edmon for help. "Brother Edmon, look at her... she's still blaming me."

Edmon's brow furrowed. He turned to me. "Alys, don't be like this with your sister. She feels terrible. This was a family decision, for the future of House Hays."

"The family's future is built on sacrificing the future of a 'Dragonless' daughter?" I asked softly, my tone devoid of anger, merely stating a cold fact.

The term "Dragonless" was a brand of sacrifice in this world, a stark reminder of its cruel hierarchy.

Edmon was at a loss for words. He opened his mouth, but all he could manage was a stiff, "This was a joint decision by the Elder Council. This alliance will solidify our position in the capital."

I stopped looking at them and closed my eyes. Arguing with them was pointless. Their deep-seated selfishness and prejudice couldn't be changed with a few words.

My silence, to them, was probably another sign of submission. Edmon's tone softened slightly. "Get some rest. Father and Mother will see you when you're a little better."

He left, taking the still-sobbing Henrietta with him.

After their footsteps faded, I opened my eyes, my gaze clear.

I needed to recover quickly. I tried to channel the energy within my body but felt only a dead stillness. This was the body of a "Dragonless," unable to resonate with the draconic energy that flowed through this world.

But that didn't mean I was helpless. An unprecedented clarity of understanding washes over me, and I suddenly realize how best to save myself.

I asked the maid, Maeve, who stood outside my door, to bring some clean water and cloths. Maeve was one of the few people in this house who had never mistreated the original Alys. Her eyes always held a hint of sympathy.

Maeve quickly brought the items. Seeing my pale face and the cuts on my lips, her eyes reddened, but she didn't dare ask questions, just kept her head down.

I dampened a cloth and carefully cleaned my wounds, my mind rapidly reviewing my plan.

First, survive and regain my strength. Second, get what I deserve. Third, leave this disgusting home for good.

As for revenge... that could wait. The best revenge against this family was to let them watch as the "useless" daughter they despised lived a better life than all of them combined.

A set of footsteps approached the door, these ones heavy and authoritative. I knew the main players in this negotiation were about to make their entrance.