The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 53

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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-"

with Tsuneo immediately! It's a matter of utmost importance!" Ari's voice shrieked from the other

noise, and it sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and a strange sense of arousal. He was really frustrated. Whatever his plans were for me had really been interrupted, and it didn't seem like he knew how

she screamed some more. From the sound of it, she wasn't going away. With a sigh of resignation, Tsuneo threw back

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voice leaving no room

opened the door and walked out

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

it. "There you are, Tsuneo. Wallowing in bed at this ungodly hour. Have you completely forgotten your duties?" Her eyes flicked towards

snarled. I could see through the eyes of the palace

none of your concern, Ari," he

she retorted, her 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 dripping with sarcasm, "you've adopted these

his fury, the guard stationed outside cleared

Tsuneo, I will gladly remove Lady R from your chambers. Simply say the

a surge of gratitude towards the guard. There was no way I was letting Ari get away with her accusations and intrusion. And I was glad that at

couldn't allow Ari to

up and around, looking shocked and terrified. The guard looked deeply impressed. I caught Tsuneo's

the heat

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

of ear crossing her eyes.

her chin

ensuring that Tsuneo is prepared for