The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 14

CH14

Morgan

"Doctor Shang had to cut his examination short because of your interruption earlier," I

"Or that you've murdered him after excaping to the human realm," Keiji said.

I narrowed my gaze at him. "The next time you intimate my wrong doing, I'd cheek with Doctor Shang about the effect my presence here actually is

I looked at his father. His eyes were focused on my sword. Then, he looked me in the eyes.

"I will permit you to see your son as I have come to understand the grief that has pushed you to make the decisions you have made," I said, meeting his gaze. "Imperial Captain Ael has told me a great deal, and you have my apologies for adding to your grief." His eyes widened.

"But don't mistake my apology for forgiveness and complacency." I set my jaw. "More than just I have suffered because of your decisions, and you have not even begun to make it right."

The door swung open. Ari tried to enter, but the barrier remained. His father turned and walked toward the door and passed through the doorway easily. The door closed behind him. I didn't know if the man knew that his son was awake or not, but he deserved the privacy. Besides, it was a necessary power play. Ari was furning. Keiji's gaze was angry and covetous.

"If it's so terrible, why did you return?" One of the Elders asked.

I cocked an eyebrow. "Were you not listening? I spoke to Imperial Captain Ael. He has done my family a service that deserves to be repaid. Unfortunately, here is the only place where I can get the information necessary to open the veil."

The silence that followed was deafening. I could see that I'd struck their pride. Good. Them thinking that any human would be over the moon to be here just because anyone over here would love to be here was ridiculous. Tsuneo may have believed that It was clear they were out of touch

with how humans actually viewed them on the other side. It was time for a wake-up

call.

"It's time that the members of his unit and all the others come home." The door opened, and Tsuneo's father came out. His expression was stoic, but I could tell he had been crying. "I am working with Doctor Shang to deliver much-needed supplies to those trapped on the other side until I can open the veil."

1/4

CH14

He met my gaze, and then he bowed his head to me. I tried not to react, pretending to be in control of the situation. Expecting it even. Ari gasped in shock. She looked like she would

pass out.

heavens have chosen you, the Phoenix has blessed your

H

your anger with me and the choices I have made

such

I thought of my father. My heart felt like it was in a vice. I felt the longing for him in my life, so I let the impulse take over. "I

remind me of my wife... Tsuneo will

jumped. Ari stumbled as he turned

"Maya," he said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

ready." He smiled at

She looked ready to scream. He pat Keiji on

need help to take care

regarding the supplies. Soon, after your honeymoon, I suspect, I imagine you will want to attend

honeymoon with

Elders looked scandalized, but they said

have dinner together when you've returned again. There

I-nodded. "Sure thing, pops."

eyes seemed to fade. There was a bit of brightness there that hadn't been there before. I swore that the gold of his scales had darkened. He left and led the others out.

2/4

CH14

"What?"

are the

got up. "Seems like

and rolled my shoulders.

aside from the door I'd entered through. I'd have to figure out where the doors led. Maya waited outside as I looked around. I grabbed as many journals as I could manage and carried them back

then left me alone. As soon as I pulled

I

if you'd like to get

the doorway and leaned against the wall. His gaze felt sultry and appreciative, dragging over me like a hot brand. Men back home had looked at me with that look, and it had turned my stomach the way they'd leered at me, but when

"Something wrong?"

mother almost

him as the heat of my

with my

"Does he know?"

"No."