Unwanted Bride: Flash Marriage To The Useless Alpha

The silence after Liam dismissed me was deafening. My feet refused to move, rooted to the spot by the weight of his words. "Are you deaf?" he asked sharply, not even turning to look at me. "Or do you enjoy standing there like a statue?" The sting of his tone snapped me out of my trance. "No, Your Highness," I said quietly, dipping my head. My hands clenched at my sides to keep them from trembling. I turned to leave, my footsteps echoing loudly in the spacious chamber. But just before I reached the door, his voice stopped me. "Wait." I froze, glancing over my shoulder. Liam had turned halfway, his gray eyes locked on me. "You'll attend tonight's banquet," he said flatly. "Uncle will expect it, and I won't have him questioning my choices. Do you understand?" "Yes, Your Highness." He nodded once, his expression unreadable, before turning away again. It was clear I was dismissed for real this time. As I stepped out into the corridor, I felt a strange mix of relief and dread. Liam wasn't what I expected. Cold, yes. Arrogant, absolutely. But there was something else beneath his facade, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Whatever it was, I doubted it mattered. On the contrary, life in the castle was a sharp contrast to the Crimson Moon pack. Where my home had been cold and harsh, with little more than basic necessities, the castle was warm, luxurious, and alive with activity. Servants bustled through the halls, their arms laden with trays of food, stacks of linens, and scrolls of parchment. But despite the grandeur, I felt out of place. The other women in the castle-ladies of noble birth-took one look at me and turned up their noses. Their whispered remarks followed me wherever I went. "She's from that tribe, isn't she?" "Can you believe Prince Liam agreed to this?" "He didn't have a choice. Poor man." I did my best to ignore them, though their words cut deep. Meanwhile, I wasn't here for their approval. If nothing else, I reminded myself, this was better than the Crimson Moon pack. But then there was Liam. He kept his distance, and yet his presence loomed over everything. Every servant I passed bowed and whispered his name with reverence. Every conversation seemed to revolve around him. And every time I caught a glimpse of him-striding through the halls or standing on the balcony, his expression hard and unreadable-I felt a strange, inexplicable pull. I had no illusions about our marriage. It was a transaction, nothing more. But a small, foolish part of me couldn't help wondering if there might someday be more. That evening, as I prepared for the banquet, Edna helped me into a simple but elegant gown. The fabric was soft and flowing, a pale blue that made my eyes stand out. "You'll do fine," she said gently, sensing my nerves. "Do you think he'll be there?" I asked, adjusting the sleeves. Edna's lips pressed into a thin line. "He'll be there, my lady. But don't expect much from him." Her words shouldn't have hurt, but they did. I nodded and steeled myself for what was to come. The banquet hall was dazzling, lit with golden chandeliers, and filled with the hum of conversation. Nobles and dignitaries from across the kingdom filled the room, their laughter echoing off the high ceilings. I felt their eyes on me as I entered, their gazes cold and judging. "There she is," someone whispered. "The new wife." "Poor thing. She doesn't know what she's gotten herself into." I ignored them, keeping my chin high as I took my seat at the long table. Liam was already there, his expression unreadable as he sipped from his goblet. He didn't acknowledge me, not even with a glance. But across the table, a woman with golden hair and a sly smile leaned forward. Victoria. I recognized her from the whispers I'd heard earlier in the day. "Prince Liam," she purred, her voice carrying over the noise. "You look as dashing as ever tonight." Liam's lips quivered slightly, the barest hint of a smile. "And you're as bold as ever, Victoria." The exchange felt intimate, too intimate. My stomach twisted uncomfortably, though I kept my expression neutral. Victoria's gaze flicked to me, her smile sharpening. "And you must be Lady Brielle. How... charming to finally meet you." The condescension in her tone was clear, but I forced a polite smile. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Victoria." She laughed softly, as though I'd said something amusing, then turned her attention back to Liam. The rest of the banquet passed in a blur of forced smiles and tense silences. When it was finally over, I excused myself and made my way back to my chambers, my chest heavy with the weight of it all. I didn't expect kindness or love from Liam, but the indifference and hostility stung more than I'd anticipated. As I lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, I made a silent vow. 'I would endure this. No matter what it takes, I would survive this marriage, this castle, this life.' I said internally to myself. If there was one thing I'd learned growing up in the Crimson Moon pack, it was how to survive. Meanwhile, the following days were a blur of cold stares, whispered gossip, and the crushing weight of loneliness. The castle was a gilded cage, and the people within its walls didn't let me forget that I didn't belong here. Liam avoided me whenever possible. When we crossed paths, his sharp tone and indifferent gaze made it clear that I was nothing more than a nuisance-a pawn forced into his life. But it wasn't his hostility that cut the deepest. It was the way he looked at Victoria.