The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 40

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Morgan

My face heated. Ari sputtered.

"I've always been your closest confidant!"

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"No, Ari. You have been a confidant. My wife is my closest confidant from the moment we married. until our deaths."

His voice was laced with a possessiveness that sent a thrill down my spine. The walls then fell silent, leaving me with a newfound understanding of the complex dynamics at play within the palace walls. But for now, the most important thing was clear Tsuneo had chosen me. But, could I really do the same?

"Well... then, I suppose I should go and see her, then."

I think not, Tsuneo said. "I'll escort you to your study so you can get through your work. Maya is looking after her."

She scowled, but she didn't argue. The way he handled Ari sent a wave of satisfaction crashing. over me. I was exhausted, but it wasn't like me to just lay around. The palace walls thrummed with a nervous energy.

With a sigh, I pushed myself off the bed and began to dress. My usual attire held little appeal today. Instead, I reached for the familiar weight of my sword, the cool leather of the hilt a comforting constant against my skin. Over that, I slipped on one of Tsuneo's robes, the rich silk whispering against my skin. It was far too large, the sleeves pooling around my hands, but the scent of him lingered in the fabric, a subtle reminder of his presence.

It made me feel safe.

Stepping out of the bedchamber, I braced myself for the day ahead. The prospect of remaining within the confines of the room, reliving the events of the night in my head, was unbearable. Maya came back with light soup. I got it down and when I was done we left the room.

The palace, usually bustling with activity, seemed strangely subdued. Servants skirted around me with downcast eyes, their whispers a hushed counterpoint to my footsteps. I ignored them, my gaze fixed on the direction of the study I had been given. But it seemed that was not to be. As I rounded a corner, a figure materialized from a side A woman. Her face, contorted in a mask of grief and rage, was one I recognized all too well. She

passage.

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was Keiji's mother.

nails, long and sharpened, swiped at me, but I was too on edge. I dodged her and had my sword out seconds later. My blade flashed in the dim light of the hallway. The tip of my sword pressed against her throat. Her face, flushed. with fury seconds ago, was now

firmly against her throat and

I said softly. "You'll end up like your

you

"I'm fine."

blade barely an inch and she

attacking me! Help!

commotion echoed through the hallway, drawing attention like a beacon. Before I could respond, the king himself materialized at the end of the hall, his normally regal posture marred by a deep frown. His entourage followed

entire scene shifted. The king's voice, a deep rumble that

"What are you doing?"

"She-"

shut her mouth. He stared

moment.

slumped against the wall,

she is lost in her grief," he said. "Guards, please take her to her chambers and have her confined there until she can manage to apologize to the queen, unless she thinks herself capable of doing so now." She set her jaw and

guards took her by her arm and escorted her away,

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protests echoing

a

Your Majesty," I replied, forcing a

"You and I can only imagine what Tsuneo will do if you are found to be hurt anymore than

He eyed

taught well. Who taught you to wield

swallowed and sheathed it. "My

I can respect and wish I

his shoulders slumping slightly. Please don't hold it against her. Her grief is... profound," he said, his voice softer now. "She will apologize to you, Morgan, for this outburst. But for now, I believe she needs time to... reflect." "I will not hold my breath

hope not. Tsuneo is clearly

My face heated.

voice gentle yet firm. "Would you care to take a walk with me? There's much ' to