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."

chambers and left a guard in the hallway. I wondered which of my shorter robes she would choose to wear. It didn't matter much to me. Seeing her in my clothes was more than

for lunch. I ran into Maya as soon as the

she squealed and dashed

me no more than half

calling my thanks

dragon. We were growing closer, and we'd continue to grow closer. For the first time

mother's old rooms, including her library and office, was to be strictly barred. Any attempt at entry would. be met with force. The Captain,

way towards the King's chambers. The weight of the situation. pressed upon me,

fatigue. Dark circles rimmed his 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 death and my hand in it were all

announced, my voice firm as I approached

surprise crossing his weary features. "Tsuneo," he rasped, his

myself. I didn't mince words, painting a clear picture of her insubordination

voice laced with disgust. "Ari has always been... spirited, but this... this is unacceptable." "Indeed, I agreed, my voice low. "She needs to

CH45

sighed a weary sound that spoke volumes of his current state.

cause a stir

in the streets like the thief she is,

think of your mother with every strike... We will think on it. Let's think of happier things. When do you think.

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

grimace. "Precisely. It wouldn't be

of worry and something akin to relief. "Perhaps you're right," he finally conceded. Focus on your recovery, Tsuneo. Spend time with Morgan.

just perhaps, he understood why I needed more time - not just to recover physically but to nurture this fragile bond. If watching me settle into married life would keep him alive for a bit longer, I'd take my time doing so until I could find some alternative

said, my