The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 45

CH45

Tsuneo

The word, unfamiliar and foreign, hung in the air between us. A frown creased my brow.

"A date?" I repeated, unsure of the meaning.

Morgan's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and a soft laugh escaped her lips. "It's a human custom," she explained, her voice warm. "A casual meal spent with someone you... care about."

My heart skipped a beat. Care about. The words resonated deep within me, a truth I couldn't deny. The way I felt about Morgan - the growing warmth in my chest, the sense of peace that washed over me in her presence - it went beyond duty or obligation. My dragon, the palace, had chosen her, and I was slowly, or maybe all too quickly in surprising ways, starting to realize why.

A slow smile spread across my face. The idea of spending more time with her, in a casual setting, filled me with a joy I hadn't anticipated. Normally, I would have courted my wife before we were married.

Perhaps dates were similar to that.

"A date, then," I said, my voice echoing my newfound enthusiasm. "Yes, I would very much like

that."

Relief and a hint of delight danced in her eyes. "Excellent," she said, her voice barely above at whisper. Then I shall get ready. Perhaps a lighter gown this time, one that doesn't restrict my movement quite so much." A playful glint returned to her eyes. My own gaze drifted down to the elegant black and ice blue robe she wore. It was mine, and I liked the look of it on her.

"Perhaps a shorter one that won't drag everywhere?"

A sheepish smile tugged at my lips. "Indeed," I conceded. "Perhaps something more... comfortable. There are many to choose from."

more than enough. Hopefully, I could see to this task before she was ready. Dealing with Ari was a matter of utmost urgency, but it would

Maya as soon as the idea hit

she squealed and dashed off to get things

me no more than

calling my

a familiar warmth bloomed within my chest, a feeling that resonated with my dragon. We were growing closer, and

strictly barred. Any attempt at entry would.

matter settled, I made my way towards the King's chambers. The weight of the situation. pressed upon me, but the image of Morgan's smile, the warmth in her

eyes, and his hand trembled slightly as he gripped a goblet of wine. Guilt stabbed at my heart. The burden of the kingdom, the recent attacks, and now Keiji's

I announced, my voice firm as I

flicker of surprise crossing his weary features. "Tsuneo," he rasped, his voice weak. "What is

of the afternoon, detailing Ari's defiance and disrespect towards both Morgan and myself. I didn't mince words, painting a clear picture of her insubordination and her potential theft from my mother's chambers. The King listened intently, his frown deepening with each passing word. By the time I

spirited, but this... this is

CH45

weary sound that spoke volumes of his current

a stir and public punishment..." He trailed off, his brow

streets like the thief she is, I'm sure Morgan would gladly do

And I'm certain that the constituents would think of your mother with every strike... We will think on it. Let's think of happier things. When do you think. you will be strong enough for the coronation? Has Dr. Shang said anything about it yet?" I shook my head,

for a while longer," I suggested, my voice hesitant. "My recovery is... taking longer than anticipated. I wouldn't want to burden Morgan with the weight of the ceremony while I'm still..." "Weak?" my father finished my sentence,

"Precisely. It wouldn't be fair to her or to the

long moment, his gaze filled with a mixture of worry and something akin to relief. "Perhaps you're right," he finally conceded. Focus on your recovery,

father, despite his weariness, understood the unspoken plea. He saw the budding connection between Morgan and me, and perhaps, just perhaps, he understood why I needed more time - not just to recover physically but to nurture this fragile bond. If watching me settle

I said, my voice sincere. "I