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."

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

Maya

I told her, she squealed and dashed off to

no more than half an

my thanks

feeling that resonated with my dragon. We were growing closer, and we'd continue to grow closer. For the first

of the Guard, I issued a series of swift commands. Ari's access to my 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, a man

towards the King's chambers. The weight of the situation. pressed upon me, but the image of Morgan's smile, the warmth in

the heavy oak doors, I found my father seated by a window, his once-proud posture slumped with 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

voice firm as I

a flicker of surprise crossing his weary features. "Tsuneo,"

breath, I recounted the events 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 unacceptable." "Indeed,

CH45

sound that spoke volumes of his current state. "You're

her to the outer provinces would cause a stir and public punishment..."

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

on it. Let's think of happier things. When do

the coronation 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

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

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

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.

you, Father," I said, my voice sincere. "I