The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 50

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Morgan

The heat spread through me. I shifted uncomfortably. My heart hammered against my ribs. I felt so hot. I couldn't think.

"Father," Tsuneo growled. "I-"

"I'm aware, Tsuneo," he said wearily. "Ari, you will apologize to your queen or be confined to the dungeons. Amara, leave if you cannot manage to control yourself, you will be doing much of the same."

"But-

"I have raised you as a member of this family, but you are showing me that my generosity has been wasted. If you continue down this path..."

He didn't finish the threat, but it hung heavy in the air, a chilling promise of violence.

Ari's face turned pale, the mocking smile replaced by a look of fear. For the first time that evening, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes, a glimpse of the woman beneath the mask. The king worked his jaw.

"We're leaving," Tsuneo said. He turned to me and offered me his hand. "With all due respect, Your Majesty. I believe Morgan and I have had enough for one evening.

Tsuneo turned towards his father, his expression unreadable. The king nodded, a flicker of understanding passing between them. Without another word, Tsuneo helped me out of my chair. I shuddered, trying to push down the heat that was coursing through me. Stunned by the sudden turn of events, I allowed him to lead me out of the dining hall, the shocked stares of the remaining guests burning into my back.

The heavy oak doors of the dining hall slammed shut behind us, the sound echoing through the empty corridor like a thunderclap. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drum against the backdrop of the sudden silence. The scene that had just unfolded played on repeat in my mind. dialog checks at the end of the day. We walked in silence, the heat became suffocating. Reaching The familiar doorway of our chambers, Tsuneo stopped abruptly. He opened the door and ushered the inside. When the door closed behind us, I felt his barrier go up.

to face me, his eyes blazing with a fury that

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shimmering black, began to ripple across his skin, starting at his forearms and creeping upwards towards his neck. His jaw clenched, his features contorted in a mask of

his voice, a guttural growl that vibrated through the

space in our chambers. Furniture creaked in protest as he

there and watch him erupt. Taking a deep

his scaled features. His chest heaved with each ragged breath, his emotions a tempestuous storm threatening to

my voice laced with a calmness that felt at odds with the chaos within

his hand hovering over my cheek for a moment before cupping it gently.

protect you.

He pulled me into a tight embrace. My body fit perfectly against his, the warmth of his scaled skin a surprising comfort. He buried his face

almost purring.

a dragon

he said, his voice a little dazed. The quietness of the chamber felt peaceful with just the two of us after the storm of Tsuneo's anger had subsided. He held me close, his grip strong but not possessive. In

back slightly, I looked up at

we should get ready for bed."

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a moment. Then, a flicker of something akin to shyness crossed his features.

Tsuneo, a man I was still getting to know, sent a thrill of nervousness through me.

unsure of what

quickly, "I know it may seem strange, but after everything that's happened, I..." He rolled his shoulder. "I don't want to

fierce warrior prince, so confident and composed in most situations, seemed genuinely flustered. The sight, oddly endearing, made my decision easier. "Alright," 1 agreed,