The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 54

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Morgan

Relief washed over me, momentarily pushing aside the flurry of emotions Tsuneo's words and gaze had evoked.

Thank goodness for Maya's timely interruption. The intimacy of the moment had escalated quickly, and | wasn't

sure | was entirely ready for where it might have led.

"Thank you, Maya," | called back, projecting my voice through the outer chamber door. My voice was slightly

breathless. "I'll get ready quickly."

| glanced at Tsuneo, a hint of apology in my eyes. His expression was unreadable, but a flicker of something akin

to disappointment crossed his features.

"Of course," Maya replied.

Taking a deep breath, | rose from the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles in my robe. The playful fight from earlier

seemed a lifetago, overshadowed by the unexpected turn of events.

"It seems like... the day has to start."

Tsuneo's lips twitched. "It seems like."

"Shall we?" | asked Tsuneo, offering him my hand.

He took it, his touch sending a familiar warmth through me.

"We shall," he replied, his voice low and enigmatic Tsuneo

The air crackled with unspoken desire, a potent current that hadleaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's

flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled my senses. |

was burning up with need, seeing her wield the queen

powers of the almost casually lit a fire inthat | couldn't explain or ignore. Did we really have to start the day

right now? Part ofknew that if Maya hadn't interrupted, | could have had Morgan beneathfor at least

another hour. Maybe not completely, but certainly more than | had to date. Part ofknew that Maya was going

to enjoy this | opened the door and welcomed Maya in, ignoring the way Ari was still screaming and fighting the

barrier Morgan had erected far enough from the captain that he wouldn't have to deal with Ari. How considerate

of her.

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Maya walked in with a knowing smile. | scowled at her. She beamed at me, gamely. | knew | shouldn't be so

disappointed or irritated about it. Maya's interruption was a relief, unwelcand unexpected, but a relief

nonetheless. Morgan wasn't ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment through me, a physical

ache that surprisedwith its intensity. | looked back at Morgan, finding her eyes apologetic. She seemed to be

breathless. Was | breathless too? The question hung unanswered as | took her hand, the warmth of her touch a

flicker of comfort amidst the frustration.

"We shall," | replied, my voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in,

surprisingwith a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting though it was, sent a jolt through me.

"Lunch?" she suggested, her voice barely a whisper. We should find a tto see each other today, hm?"

The idea of stealing a moment alone with her, away from prying eyes and pressing duties, was incredibly

appealing.

"The balcony overlooking the west garden," | rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "After

your meeting? | can pick you up from my father's study."

A slow smile spread across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away the shadows of disappointment.

"It sounds perfect," she breathed, and then she was gone, disappearing into the bathroom.

My gaze lingered on the closed door for a beat too long. The thought of following her, of joining her in the cool

sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile

turning to a smirk on her lips, quashed the impulsive notion. With a defeated sigh, | slumped into a chair, the

frustration bubbling over.

"Do we ever get a moment's peace?" | grumbled, more to myself than to Maya. "We're supposed to be enjoying

our honeymoon, for crying out loud!"

No one in the palace was going to be happy until | took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy

pools was looking more and more appealing by the second.

Maya chuckled, the sound light and teasing.

"Patience, Your Highness," she said. "The coronation will be here before you know it, and then you'll have plenty

of tfor... other pursuits."

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Her words hung in the air, suggestive and laced with amusement. She giggled into her hand. | scowled at her,

but a grudging smile tugged at the corner of my lips. She was right, of course. But a part ofstill yearned for a

moment now, a chance to explore this newfound connection with Morgan, away from the pressures and

expectations that seemed to constantly swirl around us. | went to get dressed and by the t| was done, the

bathroom door creaked open, and Morgan emerged, a vision in emerald. The robe, one of my own that | had

never worn, pooled around her like liquid emerald, catching the morning light and shimmering with an inner

glow. For a moment, | forgot to breathe, my frustration melting away in the face of her unexpected beauty..

"You... | began, my voice thick with something | couldn't quite define.

"Is it okay?" she offered, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I figured-"

"Breathtaking, | finally managed, my voice a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept

up hers under my intense gaze. "And anything of mine is yours."

The words felt inadequate. | wanted to tell my father he would have to wait. | wanted to taste the dampness on

her neck and everywhere else, smell the fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls. | licked my

lips. She jumped. | supposed | made a sound. Quickly, | tore my eyes away, clearing my throat roughly. "We

should probably get going. Just a

moment."

With a muttered excuse, | disappeared into the bathroom myself. The cool tile felt refreshing against my heated

skin. Splashing water on my face, | tried to tamp down the surge of possessiveness that grippedat the sight

of her. This wasn't the time. Soon. Eventually. | could feel how-much more comfortable she was withday after

day. She was mine. | just had to be patient.

Moments later, | emerged, adjusting my robe to fall properly. The weight of the dragon silk felt heavy on my

shoulders.

Together, we left the room, Maya's knowing wink and suggestive smile doing little to ease the restless energy

simmering beneath my surface. We walked in comfortable silence, the unspoken tension between us a tangible

entity.

Ari was still outside, fuming. Her shrill voice broke off as soon as she saw us. Her gaze darted between us, taking

in the matching stride of our walk, the lingering touch of our hands. To my surprise she said nothing as we

walked down the hall towards my father's private meeting room.

Just as we reached the imposing oak doors leading to the King's office, | reached out and clasped Morgan's hand

in mine. Leaning down, | kissed her firmly, tasting her just enough to tideover until lunch. She gasped,

melting into the kiss. | pulled back and smirked at the dazed look in bas

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eyes.

| brushed my lips against her cheek. The look of surprise and pleasure on her face fueled a surge of

possessiveness within me.

"See you for lunch," | murmured in her ear, my voice a husky whisper.

She nodded shakily. | kissed her forehead and knocked on the door for her. A satisfied smirk played on my lips.

"Cin."

| pushed the door open and ushered Morgan inside.