The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 16

CH16

Morgan

Tsuneo stepped back into the bedroom and out of sight. I lowered the barrier and let Doctor Shang in. He was alone, carrying a box and a satchel. There was a smudge of something on his check, and an herbal scent drifted across the room when he entered. "I've marked the remedies," he said and set them on the table. "They're intensive, but they are not quick fixes. I would need more time for that, but those remedies are brewing."

He set the remedies on the table and showed them all to me. There were three weeks worth of

remedies for my brother and a bunch of other vials filled with shimmering liquid. The glowing

blue ones were for his sister.

"There should be enough for the next three weeks in your time. Have Imperial Captain Ael and whoever else works with him attend to your brother to administer the potions. I'll have more intensive ones ready soon." "Thank you."

He pulled out a roll of paper and handed it to me. "These are notes about the notes for what the Elders have put together for you. They have it all gathered in the foyer."

I winced. "I'll.. figure it out on the other side."

I wasn't sure how best to get it all, considering the distance between the mirror in the unit's house and the gateway for the Trial. I hauled the bag of gold onto my shoulders, but Tsuneo came up behind me, taking the bag from me. Doctor Shang's eyes widened. "You-"

"Take the cart," Tsuneo said. The closet opened, and a floating box came out. "You are the queen. You don't carry a bag like a commoner."

I scoffed. "I'm Morgan, and I've carried a lot of bags."

He chuckled and put the bag and remedies in the box. "Not anymore."

The journals stood up and floated into the closet. Doctor Shang looked stunned, but he said nothing. Tsuneo cupped my face. There was a pleased light in his eyes.

'Safe journey, wife."

1/4

CH16

"Wait," I said, grabbing his sleeve before he turned away. "About the money and stuff."

"Wife-"

said, fighting the embarrassment that washed through

just

can

yours ar... imperial money. I

you not taking

set my jaw.

cocked an eyebrow. "A

get loans from their sovereign all the

wave of heat swept through me, but it

insinuation in his voice and

for the imperial

sword."

twitched, and he skimmed his

A smile tugged at the corner

"First rule of survival."

the word laced with amusement. "Very

electricity that hit me

in

lips. He made

incredibly

what?" I stammered, momentarily forgetting about the loan.

to his queen. I have a lot to make up for." He chuckled, a rich, rumbling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Look forward to it." He turned away, and I wished I could say that

was meant to

"You want

point where gratitude applies. As I said, there is much to make up for." He met my

with Doctor Shang. He grinned at me and hustled off down the hall.

house. The room was empty, but the house wasn't.

I passed until I reached the

corner

back." His gaze dropped to the floating box behind

top ones are for my brother,

too soon.

I will get them distributed across

Elders-the king- organized food and stuff... but they put it near the gateway for the Trial, and I have no idea how to

3/4