The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 70

CH70 Morgan

"Of course, he was a golden dragon as well. Tsuneo frowned. "Other than the one uncle who died, Maya's father,

I have no idea about the rest of them. Father doesn't talk about them much."

*it's not just Keiji who could be Kal's father," | said helplessly. For an imperial lineage, you all have the strangest

way of keeping track of your... lineage."

He smiled. "Perhaps you can bring sof your human record-keeping skills to us. My mother would complain

about the sthing."

| sighed. "We'll talk to your old dad in the morning. For now, let's get ssleep."

As we lay in the darkness, the weight of all the information rushed through my head. I couldn't help but feel a

sense of dread. Tsuneo snuggled close to me, with his hand in my hair, but I couldn't sleep wondering who Kai's

father was, if they had anything to do with the curse on Tsuneo, and if they had anything to do with his mother's

death.

If he did... how long was it before he set his sights on me?

Tsuneo

Morning cquicker than | expected. Morgan remained asleep, but | got up to get dressed. | set out the row by

hope she would wear for the day and headed down the hall. Kal was awake and letting Maya help him get

dressed

When | saw him wearing something that | was pretty sure used to be mine. | shook my head. Maya was grinning.

"It was the only children's things that seemed appropriate, considering that he's a boy..."

"You're just enjoying this too much

As you say, Your Highness." She shrugged. | believe His Majesty will want you to join him in the Hall for

breakfast. Is Lady Morgan awake yet?"

"Yet, but we will head that way. |

| imagine she will be

up soon.

She practically skipped aroundand down the hall. | gathered Kai my arms and we headed down to the dining

hall where my father was likely waiting. | got Kai settled and took a seat. Father seemed warmed and amused at

the sight.

"I would have never imagined 1 would see this sight."

I snorted. "Neither did I'

1 ruffled Kai's hair.

"Are you prepared? Calm? They will no doubt want to start as soon as Lady Morgan is awake... Or Ari, | suppose."

"I'm as calm as can be, though | have questions for you, father. As soon as this is over with."

He nodded. Moments later, Morgan cin. | caught our eye, and she smiled at me. My heart melted, stirring up

every instinct | had. It struckthen that not only did my dragon seem enamored with her, but I loved her. This

had to be that feeling that my father talked about when he described what it was like to love my mother.

As if we were fated to be together forever.

She was my phoenix... in every sense of the word.

Did you sleep well? Father asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Well, trough. I'm ready to get the day started. At least, You?"

"More dan well.

How you sleep, Kai? She settled into the seat besideand ruffled Kats hair. He giggled. "The palace have

enough luxury for you?

"I've never slept on a bed that comfortable before. It's much better

than base

hay

Father went stiff, but Morgan carried on, putting food on Kai's plate. | filled her plate before she could even start.

She smiled atgratefully. We ate leisurely. It was just the four of us, which was rare. | guessed everyone else

were too divided about the situation to come.

After breakfast, we headed to the throne room. As the Elders made arrangements for the test, | couldn't help but

wonder what exactly Morgan had planned. | could tell by her demeanor. She was up to something, and | was

excited to find out what. My Phoenix had the most brilliant mind...

The door slammed open, and Ari was marched in.

Father's expression was a mask. He acknowledged her with a nod.

*Preparations have been made. Do you still wish to continue with this Ari?"

She opened her mouth. "I-"

"Before you answer, | want you to be completely sure, for whatever this test reveals will stand forever. And all

consequences that may flow from what is revealed today will stand just as long"

An

www

I looked over at Tsuneo and then to

that human woman, standing where | should have been standing. The thought of ruling by his side, of

sharing the power and the glory net

filledcompletely. It was so close. | would never have to sleep with anyone else. | certainly would, but it

wouldn't be for survival. It would be for pleasure.

See that human woman being thrown from the palace. The way the crowds would celebrate me. | would never

have to doubt my place in the palace ever again.

I would be his wife, his queen, his phoenix.

"lI am more than sure.

"Very well. If you will take the child-

| looked at the king.

"I demand to be present for the testing. | want it done here. It's my right to see it done fairly."

The Elders exchanged irritated glances, though none of them protested.

"Very well. That is your right."

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the Elders. | knew that most of them

didn't want a human on the throne. | also knew that most of them weren't on my side either. | couldn't trust

them.Dcouldn't trust that their agenda against the human wouldn't spread to against me. Perhaps they wanted

one of their own. daughters at Tsuneo's side.

| turned to Tsuneo, our gazes meeting. He looked furious, but | stared back at him, knowing that he wouldn't be

50 angry as soon as the results cout. He may be angry now, but he'd learn in time. He'd see how that

human woman had nothing good to offer him. He'd see that | was the better option in every way and raise Kai as

his heir.

We'd make such a beautiful family.

As soon as that was secured. I'd make sure that

that they knew about the king's brother. He'd be dead before he could even hatch his plans. And | would be

luded as a hero. Of course, I'd have to make it seem as if | was simply taking advantage of, but that would be

easy enough. "When it's confirmed, I'd like my coronation to happen as soon as possible, and | want that human

removed from the palace, whether she is killed or simply thrown back to the human realm, | don't care."

The king seemed unmoved. Turning to Tsuneo, | expected him to be excited that he was finally free of that

woman, but the look in his eyes chilledto the line. A Jury | had never seen before burned in his gaze.

He had never looked atlike that before. A very real sense of terror filledas if he would killwithout a

moment's hesitation.

CHIO

Tsuneo

"I would rather tear your head off than ever call you mine."