The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 25

The Dragon King's Substitute Bride.

CH25 Morgan

I scoffed. I knew from the night before that he was a mischievous old man, but jeez. Though, I was glad that there was a bit of light in his eyes.

"Well, pons, if it's any consolation, I feel worse for wear," I gestured to Ari. "That one is screeching, and your other son has insinuated that I'm sleeping with Doctor Shang."

He laughed. "Little Shang's love is his work at the moment." He looked at Ari. "I thought I was clear about getting along with Tsuneo's queen."

"She's keeping me from seeing him.

"It's her right." Her jaw dropped. "I've been taking care of him all these years!"

"And you could not pass the Trial. He is married now. You should be relieved. It's only a matter of time before he wakes, and he'll be at your wedding like you've always wanted."

She glared at me, and I shook my head. The old man was delusional if he thought she wanted Tsuneo at her wedding and not standing across the aisle from her. He looked down, and his eyes. brightened.

"Anya, what are you doing here? Are you getting fruit juice all over the doctor?" He scooped the little girl into his arms. She let out a little giggle that felt like a prick in my heart. Grief hit me. hard, and I averted my gaze. "You're red. That mother of yours get you sick again?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck, looking over his shoulder at me. There was something a little unsettling in her gaze, and I thought back to the night before. Was she a mermaid?

"It can't be proper for a young,

unmarried man to have breakfast with the queen," Ari hissed.

"Doctor Shang is an esteemed member of Tsuneo's retinue. There's nothing improper about it at

He smiled at me. "Probably here to give her a cure for that headache I know she has."

I looked at Doctor Shang, and he pulled a vial out of his robes and offered it to me.

the way to the box. "For the

lax in his seat and clearly asleep. The

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table and reloaded Anya's plate. "As you are up

grinned and left, cooing at Anya. "It's been a while since you've

Ari and Keiji followed him out. I looked

Anya his daughter

"Daughter."

the vial of medicine. Then, a sharp knock on the door came. I gestured it open, revealing a young guard, his face serious. "Your Majesty," he announced, bowing slightly. "The next

I thought

my feet, ate the rest of my pastry, and grabbed some meat. "Maya, would you mind looking after Doctor Shang?" Maya nodded

lips. I wondered if Maya had a crush on Doctor Shang or if they were just fellows in arms in this crazy palace. I slipped into shoes, leaving the rest of the food. there on the table. I exited with my bag for the day and the medications. I locked the door behind me with a barrier. The guard from earlier was still there. He

wait for me here.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

to where the mirror was. The surface

made our way

I stepped through. I

me quickly, his brow furrowing slightly, "You alright? You look

2/4

CH25

a sigh. "But the good news is, I'm back.

sent messages about the business. Not really addressed to you, but you

foyer. Once I'd gotten everything through the gateway, I headed back to the other mirror and left Ael's unit's house, walking despite the regal caravan that had been restored from my use. I didn't want the pomp and circumstance, and I wasn't going to take it if I didn't have

escort.

some other trouble? What kind of trouble, though? Pushing thoughts of Tsuneo, the crazy morning, and all the rest to the back of my mind, I walked on. People looked at me, pointed, and whispered. The rumors would get out of control

the familiar sight of the Ryuyama Silks and Tailoring shop. Taking a fortifying breath, I steeled myself for whatever

familiar door, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Seeing worn wooden shelves and the sight of bolts of fabric and accessories was like stepping back in time.

Goro and Adele and an aunt who usually ran the shop. Their faces were now lined with worry. The moment they saw me, the air crackled

voice thick with emotion. "Is it...