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-"

speak with Tsuneo immediately! It's a matter

and let out a frustrated groan. The sound rattled through me. It was the first time I'd heard him make such a noise, and it sent a shiver down my spine, a mix

at me, huffed as she 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

CH53

his voice leaving

opened the door and walked out into the main chamber. He

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 the room, her nose held high and a triumphant smirk plastered

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

eyes of the palace the way his eyes narrowed

of your concern, Ari,"

"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

could unleash his fury, the guard stationed

addressed Tsuneo, I will gladly remove Lady R

way I was letting Ari get away with her accusations and intrusion. And I was glad that at least

allow Ari to continue to harass and agitate

terrified. The guard looked deeply impressed. I caught Tsuneo's eye through the crack in the door. His

swallowed, steading my voice despite the heat rushing through me and

the King about Lady Ari's behavior

a flicker of ear crossing her eyes. But

her chin

that Tsuneo