The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 53

CH53

Morgan

My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the sudden shift in atmosphere. His words held a double meaning, both a playful instruction to continue our game and a serious command that left me breathless.

Before I could even respond, his lips brushed against mine, a feather-light touch that sent a jolt of electricity through my body. My breath hitched, caught between surprise and a dawning desire. He groaned, licking at my lips as if planning to have more, but the moment was shattered before it could truly begin. A loud banging sound erupted from outside the door, followed by a shrill voice that pierced the morning calm.

"Tsuneo! Open the door!" It was Ari, her voice laced with a sharp urgency.

A growl ripped from Tsuneo's throat, low and dangerous. He pulled away from me abruptly, his expression a stormy mix of frustration and barely contained anger.

I scrambled to sit up, pulling the silken robe tighter around myself. I hadn't even noticed that it had fallen open. My cheeks burned. What had been about to happen? Would I have let it happen? The raw heat in his eyes felt like it would melt through any resistance I thought I might have.

"That girl... Tsuneo muttered, his voice tight with annoyance..

The banging on the door continued, accompanied by a heated argument between Ari and the guard stationed outside.

"Who are you to stop me? You're just a knight!"

"I am under orders from His Highness-"

to speak with Tsuneo immediately! It's a matter of utmost importance!" Ari's

sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear

away. With a sigh of resignation, Tsuneo threw back the covers and strode towards the door in nothing

CH53

commanded, his voice leaving no

watched as he opened the door and walked out into the

to his anger, pushed her way into the room, a smug smile plastered on her face. Ari stomped into the room, her nose held high and a triumphant smirk plastered

to the way she'd shattered the intimate moment. Maybe she expected that she had and was glad for it. "There you are, Tsuneo. Wallowing in bed at this ungodly hour. Have you completely forgotten your duties?" Her eyes flicked towards the bedroom. door, and disdain dripped from her voice. "And what, pray tell, is that... human doing

the eyes of the palace the way his eyes narrowed

is none of your concern,

voice laced with a sharp edge. "We all know she'll only be here temporarily. She's mortal! And look what she'd done to you already! You used to be up with the sunrise, ready to tackle the day. Now, thanks to her, she said, the word

could unleash his fury, the guard stationed outside cleared his

he addressed Tsuneo, I will gladly remove Lady R

There was no way I was letting Ari get away with her accusations and intrusion. And I was glad that at

I couldn't allow Ari to continue

the palace. Ari looked up and around, looking shocked and terrified. The guard looked deeply impressed. I caught Tsuneo's eye through the crack in the door. His eyes were blazing

steading my voice despite the heat rushing through me

King about Lady Ari's behavior this morning. Get out, Ari.

flicker of ear crossing her eyes. But

her chin jutting out

was simply ensuring that Tsuneo is prepared for