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-"

I need to speak with Tsuneo immediately! It's

spine, a mix of fear and a strange sense of arousal. He was really frustrated. Whatever his plans were for me had

screamed some more. From the sound of it, she wasn't going away. With a sigh of resignation, Tsuneo threw back the covers and strode towards the door in nothing more than

CH53

he commanded, his voice

watched as he opened the door and walked out into the main chamber. He left the door of

cracked. His expression was thunderous. I heard the main door open. Then, Ari, seemingly oblivious to his anger, pushed her way into the room, a smug smile plastered on her face. Ari stomped into

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 in your chambers

snarled. I could see through the eyes of the palace the way

wife is none of your concern, Ari," he growled, his

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 dripping with sarcasm, "you've adopted these

unleash his fury, the guard stationed outside cleared

will gladly remove Lady R

There was no way I was letting Ari get away with her accusations and

I couldn't allow Ari to continue to harass and

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 with heat. I could feel how much he wanted to shove them both out and pick up where

voice despite the heat rushing through me and the

informing the King about Lady

faltered for a moment, a flicker of ear crossing her eyes. But she quickly

her chin

Tsuneo is prepared for his coronation!