The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 45

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Tsuneo

The word, unfamiliar and foreign, hung in the air between us. A frown creased my brow.

"A date?" | repeated, unsure of the meaning.

Morgan's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and a soft laugh escaped her lips. "It's a human custom," she explained,

her voice warm. "A casual meal spent with someone you... care about."

My heart skipped a beat. Care about. The words resonated deep within me, a truth I couldn't deny. The way | felt

about Morgan - the growing warmth in my chest, the sense of peace that washed overin her presence - it

went beyond duty or obligation. My dragon, the palace, had chosen her, and | was slowly, or maybe all too

quickly in surprising ways, starting to realize why.

A slow smile spread across my face. The idea of spending more twith her, in a casual setting, filledwith a

joy I hadn't anticipated. Normally, | would have courted my wife before we were married.

Perhaps dates were similar to that.

"A date, then," | said, my voice echoing my newfound enthusiasm. "Yes, | would very much like

that."

Relief and a hint of delight danced in her eyes. "Excellent," she said, her voice barely above at whisper. Then |

shall get ready. Perhaps a lighter gown this time, one that doesn't restrict my movement quite so much." A

playful glint returned to her eyes. My own gaze drifted down to the elegant black and ice blue robe she wore. It

was mine, and | liked the look of it on her.

"Perhaps a shorter one that won't drag everywhere?"

A sheepish smile tugged at my lips. "Indeed," | conceded. "Perhaps something more... comfortable. There are

many to choose from."

With a final lingering look, | watched her enter our chambers and left a guard in the hallway. | wondered which of

my shorter robes she would choose to wear. It didn't matter much to me. Seeing her in my clothes was more

than enough. Hopefully, | could see to this task before she was ready. Dealing with Ari was a matter of utmost

urgency, but it would have to work. | felt lighter than | had in a long time, considering what we CH45

should do for lunch. | ran into Maya as soon as the idea hit me.

Once | told her, she squealed and dashed off to get things ready.

"Giveno more than half an hour!"

| chuckled, calling my thanks after her.

As | strode down the corridor, a familiar warmth bloomed within my chest, a feeling that resonated with my

dragon. We were growing closer, and we'd continue to grow closer. For the first tin a long time, | dared to

hope.

Finding the Captain of the Guard, | issued a series of swift commands. Ari's access to my mother's old rooms,

including her library and office, was to be strictly barred. Any attempt at entry would. be met with force. The

Captain, a man with a stoic expression and a loyal glint in his eyes, acknowledged my orders with a sharp salute.

With that matter settled, | made my way towards the King's chambers. The weight of the situation. pressed upon

me, but the image of Morgan's smile, the warmth in her eyes, spurredonward.

Pushing open the heavy oak doors, | found my father seated by a window, his once-proud posture slumped with

fatigue. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his hand trembled slightly as he gripped a goblet of wine. Guilt

stabbed at my heart. The burden of the kingdom, the recent attacks, and now Keiji's death and my hand in it

were all taking its toll. The only thing holding him here probably was a throne.

"Father, | announced, my voice firm as | approached him.

He looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his weary features. "Tsuneo," he rasped, his voice weak. "What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, | recounted the events of the afternoon, detailing Ari's defiance and disrespect towards

both Morgan and myself. | didn't mince words, painting a clear picture of her insubordination and her potential

theft from my mother's chambers. The King listened intently, his frown deepening with each passing word. By

the tI finished, his face was a mask of thunder.

"Unbelievable," he muttered, his voice laced with disgust. "Ari has always been... spirited, but this... this is

unacceptable." "Indeed, | agreed, my voice low. "She needs to be dealt with."

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He sighed a weary sound that spoke volumes of his current state. "You're right, of course. But

how? Relegating her to the outer provinces would cause a stir and public punishment..." He trailed off, his brow

furrowed in thought.

"If you are reluctant to beat her in the streets like the thief she is, I'm sure Morgan would gladly do it."

He laughed. "It would be her right. And I'm certain that the constituents would think of your mother with every

strike... We will think on it. Let's think of happier things. When do you think. you will be strong enough for the

coronation? Has Dr. Shang said anything about it yet?" | shook my head, deciding to prolong my lie a little longer.

"Perhaps... perhaps it would be best to postpone the coronation for a while longer," | suggested, my voice

hesitant. "My recovery is... taking longer than anticipated. | wouldn't want to burden Morgan with the weight of

the ceremony while I'm still..." "Weak?" my father finished my sentence, his voice laced with concern.

I nodded, forcing a grimace. "Precisely. It wouldn't be fair to her or to the kingdom."

He studiedfor a long moment, his gaze filled with a mixture of worry and something akin to relief. "Perhaps

you're right," he finally conceded. Focus on your recovery, Tsuneo. Spend twith Morgan. The burdens of

kingship can wait a while longer."

A wave of gratitude washed over me. My father, despite his weariness, understood the unspoken plea. He saw

the budding connection between Morgan and me, and perhaps, just perhaps, he understood why | needed more

t- not just to recover physically but to nurture this fragile bond. If watchingsettle into married life would

keep him alive for a bit longer, I'd take my tdoing so until | could find salternative to his death.

"Thank you, Father," | said, my voice sincere. "I will,"

With a final nod, he dismissed me. As | left his chambers, a strange sense of hope-bloomed within me. The path

ahead was still uncertain, fraught with danger and political machinations. But for now, | had a reprieve tto

be with Morgan, to explore this new feeling that simmered within me. And maybe, just maybe, that was all |

needed to face the challenges that lay ahead.

By the t| made it back to our chambers, Morgan was still in the process of changing. A half- undressed vision

in silken undergarments, she startled at my entrance, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

"Tsuneo," she stammered, clutching the discarded gown to her chest. "I wasn't expecting you back

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so soon."

A grin tugged at the corner of my lips. "There's no need for formalities, wife," | assured her,

keeping my gaze respectfully averted. "And besides, | added, a mischievous glint in my eye, "lunch is not the

only surprise | have planned for today."

Intrigued, she lowered the gown slightly. "Surprise? she echoed, a playful lilt in her voice. "Do tell."

| chuckled, holding the suspense for a beat longer. It wouldn't be a surprise if | told you, now would it?"

Chapter Comments

Visitor

it was just getting good wth lol